Reynolds' pentad

System: Abdominal & Digestive Signs · All abdominal & digestive signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Charcot's triad (right upper abdominal pain, fever and jaundice) plus confusion and low blood pressure with signs of shock.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with severe, suppurative acute cholangitis with sepsis.

◈ Behind the name

Basil M. Reynolds, American surgeon, who described the pentad in 1959.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.