Abdominal pain differential diagnosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

Diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain can be difficult, because many diseases can cause this symptom. Most frequently the cause is benign and/or self-limiting, but more serious causes may require urgent intervention. Acute abdominal pain is a severe, persistent abdominal pain of sudden onset that is likely to require surgical intervention to treat its cause. The following table summarizes differential diagnosis for abdominal pain.

Differential diagnosis of abdominal pain

Classification of acute abdomen based on etiology Presentation Symptoms Signs Diagnosis Comments
Fever Abdominal Pain Jaundice Guarding Rebound Tenderness Bowel sounds Lab Findings Imaging
Common causes of Peritonitis Primary Peritonitis Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis + Diffuse - - - Hypoactive
  • Ascitic fluid PMN>250 cells/mm³
  • Culture: Positive for single organism
Ultrasound for evaluation of liver cirrhosis -
Secondary Peritonitis Perforated gastric and duodenal ulcer + Diffuse - + + N
    • Glucose < 50mg/dl
    • Total protein > 1g/dl
Air under diaphragm in upright CXR Upper GI endoscopy for diagnosis
Acute cholangitis + RUQ + - - N Abnormal LFT Ultrasound shows biliary dilatation Biliary drainage (ERCP) + IV antibiotics
Acute cholecystitis + RUQ + - - Hypoactive Ultrasound shows gallstone and evidence of inflammation Murphy’s sign
Acute pancreatitis + Epigastric +/- - - N Increased amylase / lipase Ultrasound shows evidence of inflammation Pain radiation to back
Acute appendicitis + RLQ - + + Hypoactive Leukocytosis Ultrasound shows evidence of inflammation Nausea & vomiting, decreased appetite
Acute diverticulitis + LLQ +/- + - Hypoactive Leukocytosis CT scan and ultrasound shows evidence of inflammation
Acute salpingitis + LLQ/ RLQ - +/- +/- N Leukocytosis Pelvic ultrasound Vaginal discharge
Hollow Viscous Obstruction Small intestine obstruction - Diffuse - + +/- Hyperactive then absent Leukocytosis Abdominal X ray Nausea & vomiting associated with constipation, abdominal distention
Volvulus - Diffuse - + - Hypoactive Leukocytosis CT scan and abdominal X ray Nausea & vomiting associated with constipation, abdominal distention
Biliary colic - RUQ + - - N Increased bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase Ultrasound Nausea & vomiting
Renal colic - Flank pain - - - N Hematuria CT scan and ultrasound Colicky abdominal pain associated with nausea & vomiting
Vascular Disorders Ischemic causes Mesenteric ischemia +/- Periumbilical - - - Hyperactive Leukocytosis and lactic acidosis CT scan Nausea & vomiting, normal physical examination
Acute ischemic colitis +/- Diffuse - + + Hyperactive then absent Leukocytosis CT scan Nausea & vomiting
Hemorrhagic causes Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm - Diffuse - - - N Normal CT scan Unstable hemodynamics
Intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal hemorrhage - Diffuse - - - N Anemia CT scan History of trauma
Gynaecological Causes Ovarian Cyst Complications Torsion of the cyst - RLQ / LLQ - +/- +/- N Increased ESR and CRP Ultrasound Sudden onset sever pain with nausea and vomiting
Cyst rupture - RLQ / LLQ - +/- +/- N Increased ESR and CRP Ultrasound Sudden onset sever pain with nausea and vomiting
Pregnancy Ruptured ectopic pregnancy - RLQ / LLQ - - - N Positive pregnancy test Ultrasound History of missed period and vaginal bleeding


Disease Findings
Ectopic pregnancy History of missed menses, positive pregnancy test, ultrasound reveals an empty uterus and may show a mass in the fallopian tubes.[1]
Appendicitis Pain localized to the right iliac fossa, vomiting, abdominal ultrasound sensitivity for diagnosis of acute appendicitis is 75% to 90%.[2]
Rupturedovarian cyst Usually spontaneous, can follow history of trauma, mild chronic lower abdominal discomfort may suddenly intensify, ultrasound is diagnostic.[3]
Ovarian cyst torsion Presents with acute severe unilateral lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, tender adnexal mass palpated in 90%, ultrasound is diagnostic.[4]
Hemorrhagic ovarian cyst Presents with localized abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Hypovolemic shock may be present, abdominal tenderness and guarding are physical exam findings, ultrasound is diagnostic.[4]
Endometriosis Presents with cyclic pain that is exacerbated by onset of menses, dyspareunia. laparoscopic exploration is diagnostic.[4]
Acute cystitis Presents with features of increased urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, and suprapubic pain.[5][6]

References

  1. Morin L, Cargill YM, Glanc P (2016). "Ultrasound Evaluation of First Trimester Complications of Pregnancy". J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 38 (10): 982–988. doi:10.1016/j.jogc.2016.06.001. PMID 27720100.
  2. Balthazar EJ, Birnbaum BA, Yee J, Megibow AJ, Roshkow J, Gray C (1994). "Acute appendicitis: CT and US correlation in 100 patients". Radiology. 190 (1): 31–5. doi:10.1148/radiology.190.1.8259423. PMID 8259423.
  3. Bottomley C, Bourne T (2009). "Diagnosis and management of ovarian cyst accidents". Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 23 (5): 711–24. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.02.001. PMID 19299205.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bhavsar AK, Gelner EJ, Shorma T (2016). "Common Questions About the Evaluation of Acute Pelvic Pain". Am Fam Physician. 93 (1): 41–8. PMID 26760839.
  5. {{Cite journal | author = W. E. Stamm | title = Etiology and management of the acute urethral syndrome | journal = Sexually transmitted diseases | volume = 8 | issue = 3 | pages = 235–238 | year = 1981 | month = July-September | pmid = 7292216
  6. {{Cite journal | author = W. E. Stamm, K. F. Wagner, R. Amsel, E. R. Alexander, M. Turck, G. W. Counts & K. K. Holmes | title = Causes of the acute urethral syndrome in women | journal = The New England journal of medicine | volume = 303 | issue = 8 | pages = 409–415 | year = 1980 | month = August | doi = 10.1056/NEJM198008213030801 | pmid = 6993946

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