Sonograhic Diagnosis of Oriental Cholangioheatitis

Abstract

Oriental cholangiohepatitis, also known as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, intrahepatic pigmented stone disease, or oriental cholangitis, is a disease commonly seen in countries in Southeast Asia. As immigration to the United States from these regions increases, the medical community encounters this disease more frequently. Symptoms of Oriental cholangiohepatitis include repeated attacks of abdominal pain, fever, chills, and jaundice. Localized stenosis of the bile ducts occurs, leading to stasis, infection, and obstruction. Symptoms usually reoccur throughout a period of time until a chronic condition exists. Sonographers and sonologists should familiarize themselves with the ultrasound findings associated with this entity.