Follicular cholangitis: beyond tumour mimicry
Miguel Ángel Lorente Martínez1, Miguel Ángel Martín Navas1, Eduardo Adán Baute Trujillo1
1Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, España.
Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Follicular cholangitis can mimic bile duct cancer, posing diagnostic challenges. Prompt immunosuppressive therapy improved a patient's cholestatic liver enzyme abnormalities after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Follicular cholangitis is a rare condition.
- It can be misdiagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma, impacting treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case of follicular cholangitis.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 50-year-old woman.
- Review of imaging, histopathology, and treatment response.
Main Results:
- Initial imaging suggested intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
- Histopathology confirmed follicular cholangitis.
- Immunosuppressive therapy resolved persistent cholestatic liver enzyme abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Follicular cholangitis presents diagnostic challenges.
- Immunosuppressive therapy can be effective.
- Inflammation may extend beyond visible lesions.
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