Pylephlebitis Following an Acute Angiocholitis: A Case Report

Acute cholangitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of the biliary tract that usually results from biliary obstruction, most commonly secondary to choledocholithiasis. Although prompt diagnosis and treatment often lead to favorable outcomes, uncommon complications such as pylephlebitis (septic thrombosis of the portal vein) may significantly increase morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with no significant past medical history who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever (38.2°C), asthenia, and nausea. Physical examination revealed diffuse abdominal tenderness and mild jaundice. Abdominal point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) made by the emergency physician on call showed multiple gallbladder calculi with sludge but without visible biliary dilatation. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated an inflammatory syndrome with C-reactive protein of 72 mg/L, normal leukocyte count, total bilirubin of 87 IU/L, and direct bilirubin of 56 IU/L, and cholestatic liver enzyme abnormalities, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of 190 IU/L and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) of 108 IU/L. The diagnosis of acute angiocholitis was thus suspected. Abdominal imaging (computed tomography (CT) with contrast) showed intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary dilatation caused by a distal common bile duct stone, multiple gallbladder calculi, and segment II left portal vein thrombosis consistent with pylephlebitis. A diagnosis of acute cholangitis secondary to choledocholithiasis complicated by pylephlebitis was established. The patient was treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and supportive care, with planned biliary decompression and definitive surgical management. This case highlights a rare but serious vascular complication of biliary stone disease. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for portal venous involvement in patients with cholangitis and persistent systemic symptoms. Early imaging, timely antimicrobial therapy, and coordinated multidisciplinary management are essential to reduce the risk of severe complications and improve outcomes.