Charcot's triad
Pronunciation: shar-KOHZ
A clinical syndrome consisting of fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain, classically associated with acute cholangitis.
Full Definition
Charcot's triad is a classic clinical presentation consisting of three key features: intermittent fever with chills (often with rigors), jaundice, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Named after French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, this triad is pathognomonic for acute cholangitis, an infection of the bile ducts typically caused by biliary obstruction from stones, strictures, or tumors. While the complete triad is present in only about 50-75% of patients with cholangitis, it remains an important diagnostic framework. In severe cases, the triad may progress to Reynolds pentad with the addition of altered mental status and shock. Recognition of Charcot's triad is crucial in gastrointestinal oncology as malignant biliary obstruction from pancreatic, bile duct, or ampullary cancers can precipitate cholangitis.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Jean-Martin Charcot; capitalize the eponym and use apostrophe.
In Context
- "The patient presented with Charcot's triad, prompting urgent ERCP and biliary drainage for suspected malignant obstruction." — Emergency department assessment
- "Classic Charcot's triad was incomplete, but the combination of fever and jaundice still raised concern for cholangitis." — Internal medicine consultation