A 56-year-old woman with jaundice and abdominal pain is most likely suffering from which condition?

The presentation of jaundice and abdominal pain in this 56-year-old woman is most indicative of acute cholangitis. This condition arises from infection and inflammation of the bile duct, often due to an obstruction, commonly from gallstones. The classic triad of symptoms for acute cholangitis includes fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain, although jaundice and abdominal pain can often be sufficient to raise suspicion for this condition.

In acute cholangitis, the obstruction leads to bile duct dilation and stasis, which creates an environment where bacteria can proliferate, leading to infection. This condition is a medical emergency and can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications if not treated promptly.

The other conditions, while they may also present with abdominal pain or jaundice, have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Acute cholecystitis primarily presents with pain in the right upper quadrant but does not typically cause significant jaundice unless accompanied by a common bile duct obstruction. Acute pancreatitis may cause abdominal pain and can also lead to jaundice if it compresses surrounding structures; however, it does not commonly present with the classic signs of infection like fever and rigors seen in cholangitis. Choledocholithiasis involves the presence of stones in