Cholangitis was defined as fever and chills AND variable abdominal pain AND transient elevation of enzymes indicative of cholestasis
Pancreatitis was defined as abdominal pain AND elevation of serum enzymes (amylase, lipase) AND inflammation in pancreas on CT scan
Conditions associated with recurrent cholangitis:
(1) hepaticojejunostomy
(2) pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple)
(3) fistula between gallbladder and small bowel
(4) loss of sphincter of Oddi function following sphincterotomy
Conditions associated with recurrent pancreatitis:
(1) pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple)
(2) loss of sphincter of Oddi function following sphincterotomy
Risk factors for inflammation:
(1) strenuous exercise
(2) increased intra-abdominal pressure
Diagnosis:
(1) recurrent episodes of pancreatitis and/or cholangitis during strenuous exercise
(2) absence of episodes if at rest or with less strenuous exercise
(3) history of or evidence for a predisposing condition
(4) exclusion of other explanations
Avoidance of risk factors will usually prevent a future recurrence.
