Ducitis

Ducitis is an inflammation of a duct, a term that is infrequently used in modern medical literature. When used, it denotes inflammation of a conduit that carries secretions or fluids from an organ. The condition can affect any ductal system, including the biliary ducts, pancreatic ducts, salivary ducts, lacrimal ducts, or the vas deferens, among others.

Signs and symptoms depend on the duct involved but often include focal pain or tenderness along the course of the duct, swelling, redness of surrounding tissues, and discharge from the duct or obstruction with reduced flow. Systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise may occur with infectious etiologies or severe inflammation.

Causes are diverse and include infection (bacteria, viruses), obstructive processes (stones, strictures, tumors), autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, and postoperative or post-traumatic ductal injury. Certain sites have typical etiologies, such as biliary ductitis associated with choledocholithiasis or cholangitis, and lacrimal or salivary ductitis related to ductal blockage or infection.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment supported by site-specific investigations. Laboratory tests may show inflammatory markers or organ-specific abnormalities. Imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography can identify ductal dilation, stones, or strictures. Site-specific imaging (for example, sialography or dacryocystography) may be used. Microbiological culture of any ductal discharge can guide therapy.

Treatment aims to relieve obstruction, eradicate infection if present, and address the underlying cause. Antibiotics are used for infectious etiologies; analgesia for pain; procedures to drain, dilate, or stent the duct; and definitive therapies to correct stones, strictures, or autoimmune disease. Prognosis varies with site and cause but is generally favorable with prompt management.