What is the most common cause of cholangitis?

What is the most common cause of cholangitis?

• A. Biliary sludge
• B. Ductal stones
• C. Cholelithiasis
• D. Pancreatic cancer

Answer: (B)

Cholangitisdevelops when the bile ducts are obstructed, allowing bacteria to ascend from the duodenum and cause infection. The most common obstructive cause is a stone within the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis). When a ductal stone blocks the flow of bile, bile stasis occurs, creating an environment where bacteria can proliferate and inflame the ducts. While sludge or gallbladder stones can contribute to biliary problems, they are less likely to directly cause cholangitis than stones lodged in the duct itself. Pancreatic cancer can obstruct the bile duct as well, but it is not the most frequent cause.

Cholangitisdevelops when the bile ducts are obstructed, allowing bacteria to ascend from the duodenum and cause infection. The most common obstructive cause is a stone within the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis). When a ductal stone blocks the flow of bile, bile stasis occurs, creating an environment where bacteria can proliferate and inflame the ducts. While sludge or gallbladder stones can contribute to biliary problems, they are less likely to directly cause cholangitis than stones lodged in the duct itself. Pancreatic cancer can obstruct the bile duct as well, but it is not the most frequent cause.