What is the Difference Between Cholangitis and Cholecystitis?

Cholangitis and cholecystitis are both conditions that affect the biliary system, but they have distinct differences:

Cholangitis:

• Inflammation of the bile ducts, usually caused by obstruction of the bile ducts by gallstones or bacterial infection.
• Symptoms include right upper quadrant pain, fever, jaundice, pruritus (itching), pale stool, and dark urine.
• Patients may have risk factors for gallstones or have recently had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
• Requires antibiotics and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for treatment.

Cholecystitis:

• Inflammation of the gallbladder wall, usually caused by obstruction of the bile ducts by gallstones.
• Symptoms include right upper quadrant pain and fever, but jaundice is absent.
• The gallbladder is the only structure involved in cholecystitis since the obstruction is in the cystic duct.
• Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, such as cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder).

In summary, cholangitis is the inflammation of the bile ducts, while cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder wall. Cholangitis is usually caused by obstruction of the bile ducts by gallstones or bacterial infection, whereas cholecystitis is typically caused by obstruction of the cystic duct by gallstones. The treatment for cholangitis often involves antibiotics and ERCP, while cholecystitis is often treated with surgical intervention, such as cholecystectomy.

Comparative Table: Cholangitis vs Cholecystitis

Here is a table summarizing the differences between cholangitis and cholecystitis:

Please note that these conditions can overlap, and it can be challenging to differentiate between them based on symptoms alone.