Sandbox:Amd

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

Differential diagnosis of abdominal pain

Classification of acute abdomen based on etiology Presentation Clinical findings Diagnosis Comments Fever Rigors and Chills Abdominal Pain Jaundice Hypotension Guarding Rebound Tenderness Bowel sounds Other findings Lab Findings Imaging Common causes of Peritonitis Acute suppurative cholangitis + + RUQ + + + + ± Acute cholangitis + − RUQ + − − − N Abnormal LFT Ultrasound shows biliary dilatation Biliary drainage (ERCP) + IV antibiotics Acute cholecystitis + RUQ + − − Hypoactive Hyperbilirubinemia Leukocytosis 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 Perforated gastric and duodenal ulcer + Diffuse − + + + N Ascitic fluid LDH > serum LDH Glucose < 50mg/dl Total protein > 1g/dl Air under diaphragm in upright CXR Upper GI endoscopy for diagnosis Hepatitis (Acute/Fulminant) + Diffuse + + + + Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis + Diffuse − − − − Hypoactive Ascitic fluid PMN>250 cells/mm³ Culture: Positive for single organism Ultrasound for evaluation of liver cirrhosis - Hollow Viscous Obstruction Small intestine obstruction − Diffuse − + ± Hyperactive then absent Leukocytosis Abdominal X ray Nausea & vomiting associated with constipation, abdominal distention Gall stone disease/Cholelithiasis ± − 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 Tubal causes Acute salpingitis + ± LLQ/ RLQ − ± ± N Leukocytosis Pelvic ultrasound Vaginal discharge Ruptured ectopic pregnancy - RLQ / LLQ - + - - N Positive pregnancy test Ultrasound History of missed period and vaginal bleeding 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 RLQ= Right lumbar quadrant, LLQ= Left lumbar quadrant, LUQ= Left upper quadrant, RUQ= Right upper quadrant, N= Normal, CT= Computed tomography scan, ESR= Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, CRP= C- reactive protein, PMN= Polymorphonuclear cells, LFTs= Liver function tests, ERCP= Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, LDH= Lactate dehydrogenase, CXR= Chest X-ray