Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Reynolds' pentad
Introduction
Reynolds’ pentad is a collection of signs and symptoms suggesting the diagnosis of septic (ascending) cholangitis, a serious infection of the biliary system. It is a combination of Charcot’s triad (jaundice, fever, abdominal pain) with hypotension (low blood pressure) and an altered mental state. It was named after the surgeon, B.M. Reynolds, who described it in 1959 with Dr. Everett L. Dargan. [1]