Charcot's triad for acute cholangitis includes which combination of symptoms?

• A. RUQ pain and jaundice
• B. RUQ pain, fever, and jaundice
• C. Fever and jaundice without abdominal pain
• D. RUQ pain, fever, and hypotension

Answer: (B)

Charcot's triad for acute cholangitis is the combination of right upper quadrant pain, fever, and jaundice. The obstruction of the biliary system allows bacteria to ascend and inflame the biliary tree, producing RUQ discomfort from distension, a fever from systemic infection, and jaundice from cholestasis with elevated conjugated bilirubin. This three-part pattern is what makes the option with RUQ pain plus fever and jaundice the best choice. The other options miss at least one component, or include hypotension, which is associated with the broader Reynolds pentad (which adds sepsis signs like hypotension and mental status changes) rather than the original triad.