AIDS cholangiopathy is biliary obstruction secondary to biliary tract strictures caused by various opportunistic infections.
(See also Overview of Biliary Function.)
Before the advent of antiretroviral therapy, cholangiopathy occurred in 25% of patients with AIDS, especially in those with a low CD4 count (< 100/mcL). The most common pathogen is Cryptosporidium parvum. Others include cytomegalovirus, microsporidia, and Cyclospora species. Papillary stenosis or intrahepatic or extrahepatic sclerosing cholangitis develops in most patients. Over half have both.
Common symptoms include right upper quadrant and epigastric pain and diarrhea. A few patients have fever and jaundice. Severe pain usually indicates papillary stenosis. Milder pain suggests sclerosing cholangitis. The diarrhea reflects small-bowel infection, often cryptosporidiosis.
Diagnosis of AIDS Cholangiopathy
Usually ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Imaging usually begins with ultrasonography, which is noninvasive and very accurate (> 95%). However, ERCP is usually necessary. ERCP provides the diagnosis, enables clinicians to take a biliary and small bowel samples for identification of the causative organism, and provides a therapeutic opportunity to relieve strictures. CT and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography likely have supportive roles.
Abnormal liver test results (especially a high alkaline phosphatase level) are consistent with cholestasis.
Treatment of AIDS Cholangiopathy
Endoscopic procedures
Endoscopic sphincterotomy, often done during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, can markedly relieve pain, jaundice, and cholangitis in patients with papillary stenosis. Isolated or dominant strictures can be stented endoscopically. Antimicrobial therapy is given to treat the infection but alone does not reduce the biliary tract damage or relieve symptoms.
