Serial cholangiographic appearances in recurrent pyogenic cholangitis

From December 1982 to December 1991, cholangiograms were obtained in 227 patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. Cholangiographic abnormalities included biliary dilation, calculi, sludge, excessive branching, and arrowhead formation of intrahepatic ducts and biliary strictures. In 21 patients, previous evidence of biliary ascariasis was seen. Repeat cholangiograms were performed in 55 patients in a follow-up period of 18.0 +/- 1 months. Of these patients, 12 treated conservatively continued to get recurrent cholangitis and revealed worsening abnormalities on repeat cholangiograms. Another 25 patients had successful endoscopic sphincterotomy and extraction of biliary calculi. These patients remained free of symptoms on follow-up, with significant resolution of abnormalities on repeat cholangiograms. The remaining 18 patients with failed surgical or endoscopic interventions continued to get recurrent episodes of cholangitis and worsening of abnormalities on repeat cholangiograms. This retrospective study indicates that the natural course of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is a progressive, destructive cholangiopathy. Ascaris lumbricoides invasion of the biliary tree is an initiating event in a sub-group of patients.