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Acute cholangitis — RACP Written MCQ

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EasyGastroenterology/HepatologyAcute cholangitisRACP Written

A 73-year-old woman has fever, jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. Blood pressure is 92/56 mmHg, bilirubin is 86 micromol/L and ultrasound shows a dilated common bile duct with stones. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Urgent ERCP with biliary drainage plus antibiotics

Charcot triad with hypotension and obstructed bile duct indicates acute cholangitis requiring antibiotics and urgent biliary drainage.

Reference: Therapeutic Guidelines: Gastrointestinal; Gastroenterological Society of Australia guidance