Pentad of pain, fever, jaundice, confusion and shock is seen in: March 2009
## **Core Concept**
The question tests knowledge of a specific clinical syndrome characterized by a combination of symptoms. This pentad includes pain, fever, jaundice, confusion, and shock, which is classically associated with a severe infection of the biliary system.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **D. Cholangitis**, is right because the pentad described is characteristic of ascending cholangitis. Ascending cholangitis is a bacterial infection of the biliary tree that occurs when bacteria ascend from the duodenum into the biliary system, often due to obstruction of the bile ducts. The symptoms of pain (in the right upper quadrant), fever, jaundice (obstructive jaundice), confusion (indicative of encephalopathy or severe sepsis), and shock (in severe cases of sepsis) form a classic pentad.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because while it might cause some similar symptoms, it does not classically present with this pentad.
- **Option B:** This option does not match the clinical presentation described.
- **Option C:** This option is not associated with the pentad of symptoms described.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the presence of this pentad (pain, fever, jaundice, confusion, and shock) is highly suggestive of ascending cholangitis, which requires prompt medical and possibly surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction and control the infection.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Cholangitis