Cholangitis denotes acute bacterial infection within the biliary tree, most commonly precipitated by obstruction from stones, strictures, or neoplasia. The spectrum ranges from mild ductal inflammation to life-threatening sepsis. Recognition of its cardinal features guides urgent biliary decompression and antimicrobial therapy. Complication warningsPersistent fever despite antibiotics, uncontrolled hypotension, or new-onset renal dysfunction suggests progressive sepsis and requires urgent endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage. Charcot triadIntermittent high spiking fever with rigors, constant right-upper-quadrant pain, and conjugated hyper-bilirubinaemia constitute the classical presentation seen in ~70 % of patients with incomplete or partial obstruction. Reynolds pentadAddition of hypotension (systolic BP < 90 mmHg)... Learn more