RECURRENT PYOGENIC CHOLANGITIS OR ORIENTAL CHOLANGIOHEPATITIS IN OCCIDENTALS - CASE-REPORTS OF 4 PATIENTS

The first description of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis occurring in f our occidentals is presented. While recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is a common syndrome of uncertain aetiology among orientals (also known a s oriental cholangiohepatitis), it has not previously been described i n occidentals. Four such patients are described. They presented with r ecurrent attacks of ascending cholangitis and associated hepatolithias is, biliary stricturing and dilatation. Focal hepatic involvement was treated by segmental liver resection and recurrent disease by interven tional endoscopy or radiology.