Which diagnosis should be considered for a patient presenting with fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain?

The correct diagnosis to consider in a patient presenting with fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain is acute cholangitis. Acute cholangitis is an infection of the biliary tract that often occurs due to obstruction, commonly caused by gallstones. The classic triad of symptoms associated with acute cholangitis includes fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain, specifically in the right upper quadrant, making this condition particularly fitting for the clinical scenario presented.

In acute cholangitis, the presence of fever indicates an inflammatory or infectious process, jaundice suggests that there is a problem with bile flow, and the right upper quadrant pain corresponds to the area of the liver and biliary tree. The infection in acute cholangitis typically arises from bacteria ascending from the duodenum due to the obstruction of bile flow. Recognition of this triad is critical in diagnosing and managing the condition effectively, as prompt treatment, often involving antibiotics and possibly surgery, is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis.

While acute cholecystitis may present with right upper quadrant pain and could potentially cause fever, it usually does not lead to obstructive jaundice unless there is concurrent bile duct involvement. Acute hepatitis may present with jaundice and abdominal discomfort but typically does