Difference between revisions of "Cholangitis, Lymphocytic"
Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
*Vague clinical signs which may include | *Vague clinical signs which may include | ||
**anorexia | **anorexia | ||
− | **depression | + | **depression |
+ | **weight loss | ||
+ | **intermittent vomiting and diarrhoea | ||
+ | **jaundice | ||
+ | **ynphadenomegaly | ||
*Severe illness and pyrexia less likely compared to [[Neutrophilic Cholangitis]]. | *Severe illness and pyrexia less likely compared to [[Neutrophilic Cholangitis]]. | ||
*Some cats in the UK are polyphagic and are frequently presented with ascites and/or jaundice. | *Some cats in the UK are polyphagic and are frequently presented with ascites and/or jaundice. |
Revision as of 15:15, 6 August 2009
This article is still under construction. |
Also known as lymphocyticplasmacytic cholangitis or cholangiohepatitis, lymphocytic portal hepatitis and nonsuppurative cholangitis or cholangiohepatitis.
Signalment
Young to middle-aged cats, 50% under 4 years old.
Description
Lymphocytic cholangitis is a slowly progressive chronic disease characterised by infiltration of the portal areas of the liver with inflammatory cells, mostly small lymphocytes. Although an immune-mediated aetiology has been postulated, the disease has failed to respond to immunosuppressive medications. It is rarely associated with pancreatitis.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
- History of chronic waxing and waning low-grade illness.
- Vague clinical signs which may include
- anorexia
- depression
- weight loss
- intermittent vomiting and diarrhoea
- jaundice
- ynphadenomegaly
- Severe illness and pyrexia less likely compared to Neutrophilic Cholangitis.
- Some cats in the UK are polyphagic and are frequently presented with ascites and/or jaundice.
Haematology & Biochemistry
- Increased ALP, increased ALT, hyperbilirubinaemia, hyperglobulinaemia
- Neutrophilia is less common than with acute cholangitis
Imaging
Radiographic signs are non specific. Hepatomegaly due to enlargement of biliary ducts and ascites in some cases. Ultrasonograpy is more helpful and biliary tract dilation can be seen in all cases. Common bile duct is normally dilated and the gallbladder may also be dilated with "sludge". Main differential is extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
Biopsy
Liver biopsy is important to rule out FIP. It is vital to obtain haemostasis profile prior