In 1877, Charcot described cholangitis as a triad of findings of right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, fever, and jaundice. The Reynolds pentad adds mental status changes and sepsis to the triad. A spectrum of cholangitis exists, ranging from mild symptoms to fulminant overwhelming sepsis. With septic shock the diagnosis can be missed in up to 25% of patients. Consider cholangitis in any patient who appears septic, especially in patients who are elderly, jaundiced, or who have abdominal pain. A history of abdominal pain or symptoms of gallbladder colic may be a clue to the diagnosis.

• Charcot's triad consists of fever, RUQ pain, and jaundice. It is reported in up to 50-70% of patients with cholangitis. However, recent studies believe it is more likely to be present in 15-20% of patients.
• Fever is present in approximately 90% of cases.
• Abdominal pain and jaundice is thought to occur in 70% and 60% of patients, respectively.
• Patients present with altered mental status 10-20% of the time and hypotension approximately 30% of the time. These signs, combined with Charcot's triad, constitute Reynolds pentad.
• Consequently, many patients with ascending cholangitis do not present with the classic signs and symptoms.
• Most patients complain of RUQ pain; however, some patients (ie, elderly persons) are too ill to localize the source of infection.
• Other symptoms include the following:
  

  • Jaundice
  • Fever, chills, and rigors
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pruritus
  • Acholic or hypocholic stools
  • Malaise
• The patient's medical history may be helpful. For example, a history of the following increases the risk of cholangitis:
  

  • Gallstones, CBD stones
  • Recent cholecystectomy
  • Endoscopic manipulation or ERCP, cholangiogram
  • History of cholangitis
  • History of HIV or AIDS: AIDS-related cholangitis is characterized by extrahepatic biliary edema, ulceration, and obstruction. The etiology is uncertain, but it may be related to cytomegalovirus or Cryptosporidiuminfections. The management of this condition is described below, although decompression is usually not necessary.