Acute cholangitis, also referred to as ascending cholangitis, is an infection of the biliary tree characterized by fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain, which in most cases is the consequence of biliary obstruction. Diagnosis is commonly made by the presence of clinical features, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
Gastroenterology
Indications and Contraindications for Abdominal Paracentesis
Removal of abdominal fluid is of value in evaluating patients with ascites of new onset or unknown etiology, and provides symptomatic relief in patients with known disease or in the setting of a decompensating clinical state. Abdominal paracentesis is a simple procedure that may be performed rapidly and with a minimum of equipment.
Diagnostic Criteria for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES)
Zollinger-Ellison (ZES) syndrome is characterized by gastric acid hypersecretion resulting in severe acid-related peptic disease and diarrhea.
Diagnostic Criteria for Wilson’s disease
Wilson’s disease is clinically characterised by hepatic and neurological manifestations related to the accumulation of copper in the liver and the lenticular nuclei, and by Kayser-Fleischer rings.
ROME II Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Disorders of the Anus and Rectum
The diagnosis of a Functional Disorder of the Anus and Rectum always presumes the absence of a structural or biochemical explanation for the symptoms.
Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Diagnosis of SBP is established by a polymorphonuclear cell count in ascitic fluid > or =250 cells/mm(3).
Diagnostic Criteria for Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Diagnostic Criteria for Autoimmune Pancreatitis by the Japan Pancreas Society
Severity Criteria for Acute Pancreatitis
Ranson Criteria to Predict Severity of Acute Pancreatitis
1. When three or more of the following are present on admission, a severe course complicated by pancreatic necrosis can be predicted with a sensitivity of 60-80%:
ROME II Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Disorders of the Biliary Tract and the Pancreas
The diagnosis of a Functional Disorder of the Biliary Tract and Pancreas always pre-sumes the absence of a structural or biochemical explanation for the symptoms.
Indications and Contraindications for Liver Transplantation
Survival rates after liver transplantation have improved steadily because of earlier referral and timely evaluation, judicious patient selection, improved surgical techniques, superior immunosuppressive regimens, and effective prevention of perioperative opportunistic infections. Indications and contraindications for liver transplantation are undergoing constant modifications with the goal of improving survival and functional status of patients who have end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure. Potential candidates for liver transplantation should meet minimal listing criteria and not have contraindications to liver transplantation.