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Cholangitis |
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cholangitis [‚kō· lən′jīd·as]
(medicine) Inflammation of the bile ducts. Cholangitis (also angiocholitis), inflammation of the bile ducts owing to infection; the infection spreads into the bile ducts, in most cases, from the gallbladder, intestine, or blood vessels; less commonly, its path is through the lymphatic system. Cholestasis, or stoppage of the flow of bile, contributes to the development of the disease. Cholangitis is caused mainly by chronic inflammation of the gallbladder and the subsequent spread of the infection to the biliary tract. Cholangitis may be acute or chronic; depending on the types of changes in the ducts, it may be catarrhal or purulent. Symptoms include dyspepsia, elevated body temperature, jaundice, and changes in the composition of the blood. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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