Reynolds' pentad is a collection of signs and symptoms suggesting the diagnosis of septic or ascending cholangitis

Ascending cholangitis

Ascending cholangitis or acute cholangitis is an infection of the bile duct , usually caused by bacteria ascending from its junction with the duodenum...

, a serious infection of the biliary system. It is a combination of Charcot's triad

Charcot's triad

Charcot's neurologic triad is the combination of nystagmus, intention tremor, and scanning or staccato speech. This triad is associated with multiple sclerosis, where it was first described; however, it is not considered pathognomonic for it. It is named for Jean-Martin Charcot.-See also:*Charcot's...

 (jaundice

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowish pigmentation of the skin, the conjunctival membranes over the sclerae , and other mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia . This hyperbilirubinemia subsequently causes increased levels of bilirubin in the extracellular fluid...

, fever

Fever

Fever is a common medical sign characterized by an elevation of temperature above the normal range of due to an increase in the body temperature regulatory set-point. This increase in set-point triggers increased muscle tone and shivering.As a person's temperature increases, there is, in...

, abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain can be one of the symptoms associated with transient disorders or serious disease. Making a definitive diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain can be difficult, because many diseases can result in this symptom. Abdominal pain is a common problem...

 (usually RUQ)) with hypotension

Hypotension

In physiology and medicine, hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure, especially in the arteries of the systemic circulation. It is best understood as a physiologic state, rather than a disease. It is often associated with shock, though not necessarily indicative of it. Hypotension is the...

 (low blood pressure) and an altered mental state.

Eponym

It was named after the surgeon, B.M. Reynolds, who described it in 1959 with Dr. Everett L. Dargan.