Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography Research Articles

Management of Difficult Choledocholithiasis.

Over 30% of all endoscopic retrograde cholangiography procedures in the US are associated with biliary stone extraction, and over 10-15% of these cases are noted to be complex or difficult. The aim of this review is to define the characteristics of difficult common bile duct stones and provide an algorithmic therapeutic approach to these difficult cases. We describe additional special clinical circumstances in which difficult biliary stones are identified and provide additional management strategies to aid endoscopic stone extraction efforts.

Risk factors and treatment strategy for clinical hepatico-jejunostomy stenosis defined with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A retrospective study.

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors and establish a treatment strategy for clinical hepatico-jejunostomy stenosis defined with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The 443 patients who underwent PD from April 2006 to December 2015 were analyzed. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without clinical HJ stenosis, and risk factors for clinical HJ stenosis were analyzed. In addition, the treatment and clinical course of patients with clinical HJ stenosis were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical HJ stenosis defined with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation was identified in 40 patients (9.0%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent risk factor for clinical HJ stenosis was the hepatic duct at surgery ≤8mm. Endoscopic HJ stenosis was identified in 36 patients, and 31 patients were treated successfully with double balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography; five patients required re-anastomosis (n=3) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (n=2). Complete obstruction of HJ was found in five patients, and treatment with DB-ERC was successful in only one patient. The independent risk factor for clinical HJ stenosis was hepatic duct diameter ≤8mm. Most cases of endoscopic HJ stenosis were treated successfully with DB-ERC, except in patients with complete obstruction.

Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm associated with invasive carcinoma of the remnant gallbladder after subtotal cholecystectomy: a case report

BackgroundIntracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) of the gallbladder is a rare tumor and a relatively new concept. Therefore, the natural history and imaging characteristics of ICPN have not yet been fully documented. Moreover, cases who underwent curative resection for remnant gallbladder cancer, including ICPN with associated invasive carcinoma, have been rarely reported. We report a resected case of ICPN of the remnant gallbladder with associated invasive carcinoma for which we could observe a temporal change in imaging findings until malignant transformation.Case presentationA 79-year-old female patient with a surgical history of subtotal cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis was an ambulatory patient of our institution because of postoperative surveillance for colon cancer. Ultrasonography and computed tomography incidentally detected a small nodule in the cystic remnant gallbladder. The nodule had increased in size 3 months later; thus, additional investigations were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 10-mm enhanced nodule without evidence of extraluminal invasion. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed restricted diffusion of the lesion, and positron emission tomography revealed marked accumulation in the lesion. The lesion was diagnosed as suspicious for a malignant remnant gallbladder tumor. Therefore, remnant cholecystectomy with gallbladder bed resection was performed. Because preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a relatively long intact cystic duct, extrahepatic bile duct resection was planned to be omitted. Intraoperatively, the hepatic and duodenal side bile duct where the cystic duct diverged was taped. Using these tapes, which permitted pulling the bile duct, the cystic duct located behind the bile duct could be safely exposed. The lesion was pathologically diagnosed as biliary morphologic ICPN with associated invasive carcinoma.ConclusionsBecause remnant cholecystectomy is an uncommon procedure and technically difficult, accurate preoperative investigation and surgical planning are important to prevent bile duct injury and omit extrahepatic bile duct resection. In the present case, intracystic change could be detected incidentally at an early stage because of previous remnant gallbladder producing (reconstituting) subtotal cholecystectomy and surveillance for other disease. This case suggests the existence of ICPN that can progress to invasive carcinoma during a short period.

Temporal sequence of bile duct clearance with simultaneous cholecystolithiasis or choledocholithiasis-Preoperative, intraoperative or postoperative?

Approximately 10% of patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis also have choledocholithiasis. The probability of this can be estimated on the basis of sonographic and laboratory chemistry parameters. If the probability is high, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) or cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) should be performed and if the probability is low, cholecystectomy can be performed without further diagnostics. If the findings are equivocal, further work-up should be performed to detect or exclude choledocholithiasis by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). If choledocholithiasis is detected, it can be treated by ERC preoperatively, intraoperatively or postoperatively or alternatively by laparoscopic cholangiography. Regarding the temporal sequence, there is no clear advantage of aspecific time point; however, considering the high availability of ERCP in German-speaking countries, preoperative clearance of choledocholithiasis seems reasonable. With respect to the time interval between clearance of choledocholithiasis and cholecystectomy, anumber of multicenter studies and ameta-analysis have shown that ashort time interval or a procedure during the same period of hospitalization is advantageous.

Assessment of postoperative common bile duct stones after endoscopic extraction and subsequent cholecystectomy.

Common bile duct stones (CBDSs) occasionally cause serious diseases, and endoscopic extraction is the standard procedure for CBDS. To prevent biliary complications, cholecystectomy is recommended for patients who present with gallbladder (GB) stones after endoscopic CBDS extraction. However, CBDS can occasionally recur. To date, the occurrence of CBDS after endoscopic CBDS extraction and subsequent cholecystectomy is not fully understood. Hence, the current study aimed to evaluate the incidence of postoperative CBDSs. This retrospective observational study included consecutive patients who underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography after endoscopic CBDS extraction and subsequent cholecystectomy between April 2012 and June 2021 at our institution. After endoscopic CBDS extraction, a biliary plastic stent was inserted to prevent obstructive cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed to evaluate postoperative CBDSs after cholecystectomy until hospital discharge. The outcomes were the incidence of postoperative CBDSs and CBDSs/sludge. Moreover, the predictive factors for postoperative CBDSs were evaluated via univariate and multivariate analyses. Of eligible 204 patients, 52 patients (25.5%) presented with postoperative CBDSs. The incidence rate of CBDS/sludge was 36.8% (n = 75). Based on the univariate analysis, the significant predictive factors for postoperative CBDSs were ≥ 6 CBDSs, presence of cystic duct stones, and ≥ 10GB stones (P < 0.05). Moreover, male sex and < 60-mm minor axis in GB might be predictive factors (P < 0.10). Based on the multivariate analysis, ≥ 6 CBDSs (odds ratio = 6.65, P < 0.01), presence of cystic duct stones (odds ratio = 4.39, P < 0.01), and ≥ 10GB stones (odds ratio = 2.55, P = 0.01) were independent predictive factors for postoperative CBDSs. The incidence of postoperative CBDS was relatively high. Hence, patients with predictive factors for postoperative CBDS must undergo imaging tests or additional endoscopic procedure after cholecystectomy.

Optimization of Isolation Method for Extracellular Vesicles from Pancreatic Juice and Impact of Protease Activity.

Pancreatic juice (PJ) is directly associated with pancreatic lesions, including pancreatic ductal cancer and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm-derived cancer. Therefore, EVs secreted from these lesions into PJ can be promising biomarkers for early diagnosis. However, there are limited data from analysis of EVs in PJ samples. We aimed to determine the stability of EVs in PJ collected using endoscopic naso-pancreatic drainage (ENPD) tubes as well as catheter during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP), with or without the impact of positive protease activity, and optimize the EV isolation method. Size exclusion chromatography was found to be an optimal isolation method for EVs in PJ as it achieved higher recovery and purity of EVs compared with differential ultracentrifugation and polymer-based precipitation. Approximately 40% of the PJ samples collected during ERCP and more than 90% of those collected using ENPD tubes had positive protease activity. In vitro exposure to room temperature for less than 3h was harmless to the structure of double-membrane EVs in PJ and the expression levels of TSG101, even with positive protease activity. We clarified the physiobiological status of EVs in PJ and optimized the EV isolation method using suitable PJ samples; these findings can be utilized to discover biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and elucidate their function.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography-Induced Subcapsular Hepatic Hematoma

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC)-induced subcapsular hepatic hematoma is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Right hypochondrial pain is the most common symptom and diagnosis is based on imaging after procedure. Majority can be managed successfully with conservative measures. Angioembolization and surgery may be required in hemodynamically unstable patients. We report a case of ERC-induced subcapsular hepatic hematoma detected laparoscopically following endoscopic stone extraction and managed conservatively.

A Case of Biliary Tract Infection in Heredity Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia.

A 72-year-old woman with heredity hemorrhagic telangiectasia was admitted to our hospital with a high fever (39 °C) accompanied by abnormal liver enzymes. Computed tomography (CT) revealed gallbladder stones, and biliary drainage was performed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. There was no choledocholithiasis, and intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts were notable for extrinsic compression (Figure 1A). Contrast-enhanced CT showed a dilated intrahepatic bile duct and 15-mm biloma in liver segment 3, and the arterial phase of the hepatic artery showed an artery to hepatic vein shunt (Figure 1B).

The second 'gallbladder operation'.

Subtotal cholecystectomy has been reported in 8% and 3.3% of patients undergoing open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, respectively. According to a recent nationwide survey, the utilisation of subtotal cholecystectomy in the treatment of acute cholecystitis is on the rise. In 1.8% of subtotal cholecystectomies, a reoperation is required. Reoperations for residual gallbladder (GB), gallstones, and related complications accounted for half of the reoperations described in the literature after subtotal cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile, risk of complications, and feasibility of laparoscopic approaches and surgical procedures in patients with recurrent symptoms from a residual GB that necessitated a completion cholecystectomy. Patients who underwent surgery for residual GB with stones and/or complications between January 2007 and January 2020 were included in the study group. A prospectively maintained database was used to review patient information retrospectively. The demographic profile, operation details of the index surgery, current presentation, investigations performed, surgery details, morbidity and mortality were all included in the clinical information. There were 13 patients who underwent completion cholecystectomy. The median age was 55 years (22-63 years). Prior operative notes mentioned subtotal cholecystectomy in only seven patients. The average time between the index surgery and the onset of symptoms was 30 months (2-175 months). A final diagnosis of residual GB with or without calculi was made by ultrasound (USG) in 11 patients and by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in two others. Choledocholithiasis (n = 4, 30.7%), acute cholecystitis (n = 2, one with empyema and GB perforation) and Mirizzi syndrome (n = 1) were seen as complications of residual gallstones in seven patients. All 13 patients underwent successful laparoscopic procedures. A fifth port was used in all. A critical view of safety was achieved in 12 patients. Two patients required laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration for CBD stones. Intraoperative cholangiograms were done in eight patients (61.5%). There were no conversions, injuries to the bile duct or deaths. Morbidity was seen in one. The patient required therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography for cholangitis and CBD clearance on the fifth post-operative day. The median hospital stay was 4 days (3-7 days). At a median follow-up of 99 months, symptom resolution was seen in all 13 patients. Gallstones in the residual GB are associated with more complications than conventional gallstones. The diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion. MRCP is more accurate in establishing the diagnosis and identifying the associated complications, even if the diagnosis is made on USG in most patients. A pre-operative roadmap is provided by the MRCP. For patients with residual GB, laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy is a feasible and safe option.

Biliary hCGβ Is a Potential Novel Marker for Prediction of Biliary Neoplasia in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Patients

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Novel markers, to complement or replace CA19-9, are urgently needed for the screening of PSC-associated biliary neoplasia. Previous studies have suggested that serum trypsinogen-2 and human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit (hCGβ) may serve as such markers. Using highly specific in-house immunoassays, we studied trypsin(ogen)-2 and -3, SPINK1 and hCGβ in bile samples of 214 patients, referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. We found that biliary trypsinogen-2 was decreased (p = 0.027) and hCGβ was elevated (p &lt; 0.001) in PSC patients who were diagnosed 1.6 years (median, range 0.1–8.8 years) later with CCA or in whom biliary dysplasia was observed at least twice in brush cytology (n = 11) as compared to PSC patients without CCA or repeated dysplasia (n = 171). The other studied markers did not show significant differences between these groups. Our results warrant further evaluation of hCGβ as a predictive marker for PSC-associated biliary neoplasia.

Combined endoscopic retrograde and endosonography-guided (CERES) cholangiography for interventional repair of transected bile ducts after cholecystectomy: treatment approaches and outcomes.

Post-cholecystectomy transected bile ducts (TBDs) are not amenable to standard endoscopic management. Combined ERCP and endosonography (CERES) including EUS-guided hepaticoenterostomy enhance therapeutic biliary endoscopy. CERES treatment of post-cholecystectomy TBDs is evaluated. Among 165 consecutive patients who underwent ERCP for post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury (Amsterdam A/B/C/D grades [%] = 47/30/7/16) between January 2009-November 2020 at a tertiary-care center, 10/26 (38%) with TBDs (6 female; 32-92years old) underwent CERES before attempted endoscopic repair (staged CERES, n = 7) or surgical repair (preoperative CERES, n = 1), or as destination therapy (definitive CERES, n = 2). Short-term clinical success rate, final clinical success rate and comprehensive complication index (CCI) were retrospectively determined. Additionally, number of follow-up procedures, adverse events, recurrences, final patency grades and definitive cure rate were determined in patients with staged CERES. Index CERES (hepaticogastrostomy, 60%; hepaticoduodenostomy, 40%) achieved bile leak and jaundice resolution in 10 patients (100% short-term clinical success rate). Overall, 9/10 patients maintained good/excellent biliary drainage over a median 3.2years without any unplanned percutaneous/surgical procedures (90% final clinical success rate; median CCI = 8.7). Staged CERES using recanalization (n = 6) or diversion (n = 1) strategies achieved Grade A patency in 5/7 (71%) patients after a median of 2 follow-up procedures over a median 12-month treatment period; 2 failed recanalization patients were salvaged by indefinite hepaticoenterostomy stent or elective surgery, respectively. Among staged CERES, 2 treatment-related cholangitis occurred (29%) and 2 recurring strictures (29%) developed over a median 8.4year follow-up; recurring strictures were endoscopically remodeled (n = 1) or indefinitely stented (n = 1); final Grade A/B biliary patency was achieved in 5/7 (71%) and definitive cure in 4/7 (57%). CERES controls acute symptoms in selected post-cholecystectomy TBD patients allowing subsequent staged endoscopic therapy. Definitive cure or long-term biliary drainage is possible in most cases and elective surgery can be facilitated in the remainder.

Fishing line assisted endoscopic placement of multiple plastic biliary stents for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a retrospective study

Background and aimsStent migration is one of the most common complications during the placement of multiple plastic biliary stents (MPBS) under endoscopy. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of the fishing line assisted (FLA) method for preventing the complication.Methods Patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) who undergone endoscopic placement of MPBS using the FLA or conventional method from May 2018 to April 2021 in our center were enrolled in the study. The endpoints of this study were the stent migration rate, technical success rates, adverse events rates, times of stent migration, and the procedure time.ResultsFLA group (N = 19) and conventional group (N = 22) had similar baseline characteristics of the patients. The technical success rates (100% vs. 95.5%; P > 0.05), ERCP-related adverse events rates (5.3% vs. 4.5%; P > 0.05), and the stent-related adverse events rates (0% vs. 4.5%; P > 0.05) were no significant differences between the FLA and conventional groups. MPBS inserted using the conventional method consumed more time (median, 33.9 min vs. 15.6 min; P < 0.05) method and increased the times of stent migration (median, 3 times vs. 0 times; P < 0.05) than using the FLA method. Even if no statistical difference was detected in the stent migration rate between groups, this rate was lower in the FLA group than the conventional group (0% vs. 13.6%; P > 0.05).ConclusionsFLA method is an effective technique for MPBS implantation to prevent stent migration during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP). The method should be applied to patients with unresectable MHBO who need to place MPBS.

A pilot randomized trial to study the success rate of early precut fistulotomy and its effect on radiation dose in patients with difficult biliary cannulation

Background: Role of precut fistulotomy in reducing fluoroscopy time and the radiation dose in difficult selective biliary cannulation is unknown. Methods: We performed a randomized trial where patients with difficult biliary cannulation were randomized into 2 groups: early precut fistulotomy (precut five minutes after failed standard biliary cannulation) or late precut fistulotomy (precut fifteen minutes after failed standard biliary cannulation). We compared the success rates of selective biliary cannulation, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, complication rates, need for repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and need for other interventions Results: Of the 130 eligible patients screened, 40 patients were randomized. The technical success was comparable between early and late group. The fluoroscopy time and radiation dose were significantly less in the early group [4 minutes (3, 6) vs 15 minutes (8, 28), p=0.001] and [1.35 mGy (0.90, 1.63) vs 2.40 mGy (1.58, 3.25), p=0.010] respectively. In the late group, 60% required need for rescue precut fistulotomy. One patient from late group developed post ERC pancreatitis while 1 from early group developed perforation. Three needed other interventions due to failed second attempt. Conclusion: Early precut fistulotomy has comparable technical success and reduces the radiation dose as compared to late precut fistulotomy for difficult biliary cannulation.

Fascioliasis: una causa infrecuente de obstrucción de vía biliar. Reporte de un caso

Hepatic fascioliasis is a parasitic disease caused by the fluke Fasciola hepatica. In the chronic phase of the disease, the adult form of the parasite adopts the bile ducts as the ideal environment to develop, causing them to dilate and simulating an obstructive jaundice process. The case of a 48-year-old woman is presented, who was admitted for jaundice, choluria and eight loss. After the corresponding complementary studies had been carried out, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) was performed and an adult Fasciola hepatica parasite was extracted from the biliary tract. Subsequently, anthelmintic treatment with triclabendazole was started, resulting in a favorable evolution and resolution of the condition.

Double is not always better: rare cause of chronic pain and weight loss in an Asian woman with an anomaly of the bile duct system

A 42-year-old Asian woman with weight loss and recurring epigastric postprandial pain was admitted to our hospital with suspicion of chronic cholecystitis. The CT scan displayed a constriction of the gallbladder. Laboratory results were normal. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a duplication of the extrahepatic bile duct (A-D) type 5b according to Choi featuring a common distal drainage tract into the major duodenal papilla and a proximal communication channel (A, D, arrow). Balloon-occluded cholangiography additionally showed an anomalous cystic dilatation of the cystic duct (B, C, arrow), thus mimicking a constriction of the gallbladder.

The Efficacy and Safety of Balloon Enteroscopy-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography in Pediatric Patients with Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy.

Balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (BEA-ERC) is useful and feasible in adults with pancreatobiliary diseases, but its efficacy and safety have not been established in pediatric patients. We compared the success rate and safety of BEA-ERC between adults and pediatric patients. This single-center retrospective study reviewed 348 patients (pediatric: 57, adult: 291) with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomies who underwent BEA-ERC for biliary disorders from January 2007 to December 2019. The success rate of reaching the anastomosis or duodenal papilla was significantly lower in pediatric patients than in adult patients (66.7% vs. 88.0%, p < 0.01). The clinical success rate was also significantly lower in pediatric patients (64.9% vs. 80.4%, p = 0.014). The rate of adverse events was significantly higher in pediatric patients than in adults (14.2% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.037). However, if the anastomotic sites were reached in pediatric patients, the treatment was highly successful (97.3%). The time of reaching target site was significantly longer in pediatric patients than in adult patients. This study shows that BEA-ERC in pediatric patients is more difficult than that in adult patients. However, in patients where the balloon enteroscope was advanced to the anastomosis, clinical outcomes comparable to those in adults can be achieved.

Defining Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Results From an International Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Study Group Consensus Process

Defining Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Results From an International Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Study Group Consensus Process

Diagnostic value of peroral cholangioscopy in addition to computed tomography for indeterminate biliary strictures.

Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) has been used to overcome the difficulty in diagnosing indeterminate biliary stricture or tumor spread. However, the value of adding POCS to computed tomography (CT) remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of adding POCS to CT for indeterminate biliary stricture and tumor spread by interpretation of images focusing on the high diagnostic accuracy of visual findings in POCS. We retrospectively identified 52 patients with biliary stricture who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) at our institution between January 2013 and December 2018. Two teams, each composed of an expert endoscopist and surgeon, performed the interpretation independently, referring to the CT findings of the radiologist. The CT + ERC + POCS images (POCS group) were evaluated 4weeks after the evaluation of CT + ERC images (CT group). A 5-point scale (1: definitely benign to 5: definitely malignant) was used to determine the confident diagnosis rate, which was defined as an evaluation value of 1 or 5. Tumor spread was also evaluated. In the evaluation of 45 malignant diagnoses, the score was significantly closer to 5 in the POCS group than in the CT group in both teams (P < 0.001). The confident diagnosis rate was significantly higher for the POCS group (92% and 73%) than for the CT group (25% and 12%) in teams 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). We found no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy for tumor spread between the groups. Visual POCS findings confirmed the diagnosis of biliary strictures. POCS was useful in cases of indefinite diagnosis of biliary strictures by CT.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and intraductal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is used to evaluate the narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and biliary stricture in IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC). Intraductal ultrasonography enables detailed visualization of the thickening of the bile duct wall in IgG4-SC. Pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and primary sclerosing cholangitis are important mimicking conditions of AIP and IgG4-SC. Diffuse or segmental stricture without marked upstream dilatation is a typical pancreatographic finding in AIP. By contrast, a single, short stricture with marked upstream dilatation is a typical finding in pancreatic cancer. The cholangiogram of IgG4-SC is classified into four types based on biliary stricture location, and this cholangiogram classification is useful for the differential diagnosis of IgG4-SC. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography can be used to distinguish between IgG4-SC and primary sclerosing cholangitis. A segmental/long and intrapancreatic stricture is a characteristic finding of IgG4-SC, whereas band-like strictures, a beaded or pruned-tree appearance, and diverticulum-like outpouching are characteristic of primary sclerosing cholangitis. The characteristic intraductal ultrasonographic findings of circular-symmetrical wall thickening, smooth outer and inner margins, and homogeneous internal echo at the biliary stricture site are useful for diagnosis of IgG4-SC. Thickening of the bile duct wall at non-stricture sites is also a typical intraductal ultrasonographic finding of IgG4-SC and can be used for differential diagnosis from cholangiocarcinoma. Transpapillary bile duct and duodenal papilla biopsy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are also useful in the diagnosis of IgG4-SC.

Modern imaging of cholangitis.

Cholangitis refers to inflammation of the bile ducts with or without accompanying infection. When intermittent or persistent inflammation lasts 6 months or more, the condition is classified as chronic cholangitis. Otherwise, it is considered an acute cholangitis. Cholangitis can also be classified according to the inciting agent, e.g. complete mechanical obstruction, which is the leading cause of acute cholangitis, longstanding partial mechanical blockage, or immune-mediated bile duct damage that results in chronic cholangitis.The work-up for cholangitis is based upon medical history, clinical presentation, and initial laboratory tests. Whereas ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality used to identify bile duct dilatation in patients with colicky abdominal pain, cross-sectional imaging is preferable when symptoms cannot be primarily localised to the hepatobiliary system. CT is very useful in oncologic, trauma, or postoperative patients. Otherwise, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is the method of choice to diagnose acute and chronic biliary disorders, providing an excellent anatomic overview and, if gadoxetic acid is injected, simultaneously delivering morphological and functional information about the hepatobiliary system. If brush cytology, biopsy, assessment of the prepapillary common bile duct, stricture dilatation, or stenting is necessary, then endoscopic ultrasound and/or retrograde cholangiography are performed. Finally, when the pathologic duct is inaccessible from the duodenum or stomach, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is an option. The pace of the work-up depends upon the severity of cholestasis on presentation. Whereas sepsis, hypotension, and/or Charcot’s triad warrant immediate investigation and management, chronic cholestasis can be electively evaluated.This overview article will cover the common cholangitides, emphasising our clinical experience with the chronic cholestatic liver diseases.