Answer
In general, abdominal films aid little in the diagnosis of acute cholangitis. Findings may include the following:
-
An ileus may be observed.
-
Between 10% and 30% of gallstones have a ring of calcium and, as a result, are radiopaque.
-
Films may show air in the biliary tree after endoscopic manipulation or if the patient has emphysematous cholecystitis, cholangitis, or a cholecystic-enteric fistula.
-
Air in the gallbladder wall indicates emphysematous cholecystitis.
Did this answer your question?
Additional feedback? (Optional)
Thank you for your feedback!
Media Gallery
-
Sonogram of dilated intrahepatic ducts.
-
CT scan of common bile duct occluded by stone. Image courtesy of David Schwartz, MD, New York University Hospital.
-
CT scan of 1-cm dilated common bile duct at portal triad. Image courtesy of David Schwartz, MD, New York University Hospital.
-
CT scan of dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. Image courtesy of David Schwartz, MD, New York University Hospital.
-
Algorithm for management of patients with acute cholangitis.
of
5