Murphy's triad

Murphy's triad
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	General surgery
Symptoms	Right lower quadrant pain, Fever, Nausea and vomiting
Complications	Peritonitis, Sepsis
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Appendicitis
Risks
Diagnosis	Physical examination, Ultrasound, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Gastroenteritis, Ectopic pregnancy, Ovarian torsion
Prevention
Treatment	Appendectomy
Medication	Antibiotics
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths	N/A

Murphy's triad is a clinical syndrome characterized by three symptoms: jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain. It is often associated with cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder.

Symptoms

The three symptoms of Murphy's triad are:

• Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. It can be caused by various conditions, including liver disease and gallstones.
• Fever: A high body temperature, often accompanied by chills and sweating. It is a common symptom of infection or inflammation.
• Abdominal pain: This is often located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, where the gallbladder is located. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may be worsened by eating, especially fatty foods.

Causes

Murphy's triad is most commonly associated with cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder. This condition is often caused by gallstones, which can block the bile ducts and cause inflammation and infection. Other possible causes include tumors, infections, and certain medications.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Murphy's triad is based on the presence of the three symptoms. Additional tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause. These may include blood tests, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan, and possibly a biopsy of the gallbladder.

Treatment

The treatment for Murphy's triad depends on the underlying cause. If cholecystitis is the cause, treatment may include antibiotics to treat the infection, pain medication to relieve the abdominal pain, and possibly surgery to remove the gallbladder.

See also

• Cholecystitis
• Gallstones
• Jaundice
• Fever
• Abdominal pain