Acute cholangitis detected by dialyzer discoloration: a case report

Abstract Charcot’s triad, consisting of high fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice, is a well-known clinical feature of acute cholangitis. However, some patients, especially elderly patients, are asymptomatic. We reported herein a case of acute cholangitis in an elderly patient on hemodialysis who was asymptomatic, but whose cholangitis was discovered when a yellow discoloration of her dialyzer was noticed. Blood tests and imaging studies should be performed as soon as possible after noticing yellowish discoloration of dialyzer fibers because asymptomatic acute cholangitis may be present.