Cholangitis

Cholangitis refers to inflammation of the common bile duct, usually as a result of secondary infection, while cholecystitis is a disorder marked by inflammation of the gallbladder. It is usually caused by the passage of a stone from the gallbladder into the cystic duct (connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct). In 5-10% of cases, cholecystitis develops in the absence of gallstones (acalculous cholecystitis).