Acute abdominal pain

Author(s):  
Mark Beattie ◽  
Mike Stanton

This chapter discusses the assessment, differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain. Appendicitis and intussusception are discussed in detail.

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Martine A. Louis ◽  
Amanda R. Doubleday ◽  
Elizabeth Lin ◽  
Ji Yoon Baek ◽  
Alda Andoni ◽  
...  

General surgeons are often asked to evaluate acute abdominal pain which has an expanded differential diagnosis in women of childbearing age. Acute appendicitis accounts for many surgical emergencies as a common cause of nongynecologic pelvic pain. In some rare instances, acute appendicitis has been shown to occur simultaneously with a variety of gynecologic diseases. We report a case of concurrent acute appendicitis and ruptured ovarian endometrioma.


Author(s):  
Satish Keshav ◽  
Alexandra Kent

Acute abdominal pain is pain which is below the chest and above the pelvic brim and which has been present for ≤4 weeks. However, typically, patients present within hours of the onset of pain. The differential diagnosis does not differ much in primary and secondary care, although patients in hospital are probably more likely to be prone to iatrogenic illnesses such as pancreatitis, intestinal ischaemia, and Clostridium difficile-associated colitis. This chapter covers the approach to diagnosis, key diagnostic tests, therapies, prognosis, and dealing with uncertainty.


2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-226
Author(s):  
Shiva Mongolu ◽  
◽  
Patrick Sharp

Although uncommon, lead poisoning should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of unexplained acute abdominal pain in both adults and children. We present the case of a 35-year-old Asian male who presented with abdominal pain and constipation secondary to lead poisoning. Initially, the source of lead exposure was not apparent; this was later found to be due to ingestion of an Ayurvedic herbal medicine for the treatment of infertility. Lead poisoning due to the ingestion of Ayurvedic remedies is well described. We discuss the diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of lead poisoning. This case illustrates one of the rarer medical causes of acute abdominal pain and emphasizes the need to take a thorough history (including specific questioning regarding the use of over-the-counter and traditional/ herbal remedies) in cases of suspected poisoning or drug toxicity.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake D. Babcock ◽  
Alexander E. Poor ◽  
Mohammad F. Shaikh ◽  
Wilbur B. Bowne

Acute abdominal pain and abdominal mass are intimately connected; therefore, the diagnostic process for evaluating abdominal pain and abdominal masses is largely the same and has been preserved since ancient times. The primary goals in the management of patients with abdominal pain and/or abdominal mass are to establish a differential diagnosis by obtaining a clinical history, to refine the differential diagnosis with a physical examination and appropriate studies, and to determine the role of operative intervention in the treatment or refinement of the working diagnosis. This review describes the process of diagnosing abdominal pain, including taking a clinical history and performing a physical examination. Investigative studies, including laboratory tests, imaging, and pathology are reviewed. Management, including surgical treatment, is discussed. Tables describe intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal causes of acute abdominal pain, frequency of specific diagnoses in patients with acute abdominal pain, and common abdominal signs and findings noted on physical examination. Figures show abdominal pain in specific locations, a data sheet, the differential diagnosis of an abdominal mass by quadrant or region, characteristic patterns of abdominal pain, acute appendicitis with associated appendicolith, bilateral adrenal masses, adrenocortical carcinoma, retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma, pancreatic mass, a sagittal ultrasonogram of the pancreas, ultrasonograms of the liver, a dark and well circumscribed abdominal mass, gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, and percutaneous biopsy of a large abdominal mass. An algorithm outlines the assessment of acute abdominal pain and abdominal mass. This review contains 14 figures, 5 tables, and 143 references.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vigil James ◽  
John Samuel ◽  
Chor Yek Kee ◽  
Gene Yong-Kwang Ong

Abstract Background The presence of intra-abdominal calcification in the pediatric population can be due to a wide range of conditions. Calcification in the abdomen can be seen in normal or abnormal anatomical structures. In some patients, abnormal calcification points towards the pathology; whereas in others, calcification itself is the pathology. After a thorough history and clinical examination, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) would complement the assessment of acute abdominal pain, based on the list of differentials generated as per the abdominal region. The main objective of this article is to review commonly encountered causes of intra-abdominal calcifications in the pediatric population and help in clinical decision-making in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Case presentation We describe a series of pediatric patients who presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain, in whom point-of-care ultrasound helped expedite the diagnosis by identifying varying types of calcification and associated sonological findings. For children who present to the Pediatric Emergency Department with significant abdominal pain, a rapid distinction between emergencies and non-emergencies is vital to decrease morbidity and mortality. Conclusions In a child presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department with abdominal pain, POCUS and the findings of calcifications can narrow or expand the differential diagnosis when integrated with history and physical exam, to a specific anatomic structure. Integrating these findings with additional sonological findings of an underlying pathology might raise sufficient concerns in the emergency physicians to warrant further investigations for the patient in the form of a formal radiological ultrasound and assist in the patient's early disposition. The use of POCUS might also help to categorize the type of calcification to one of the four main categories of intra-abdominal calcifications, namely concretions, conduit wall calcification, cyst wall calcification, and solid mass-type calcification. POCUS used thoughtfully can give a diagnosis and expand differential diagnosis, reduce cognitive bias, and reduce physician mental load. By integrating the use of POCUS with the history and clinical findings, it will be possible to expedite the management in children who present to the Pediatric Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison M. Crutcher ◽  
Darshak S. Thosani ◽  
Mohammad F. Shaikh ◽  
Wilbur B. Bowne

Acute abdominal pain and abdominal mass are intimately connected; therefore, the diagnostic process for evaluating abdominal pain and abdominal masses is largely the same and has been preserved since ancient times. The primary goals in the management of patients with abdominal pain and/or abdominal mass are to establish a differential diagnosis by obtaining a clinical history, to refine the differential diagnosis with a physical examination and appropriate studies, and to determine the role of operative intervention in the treatment or refinement of the working diagnosis. This review describes the process of diagnosing abdominal pain, including taking a clinical history and performing a physical examination. Investigative studies, including laboratory tests, imaging, and pathology are reviewed. Management, including surgical treatment, is discussed. Tables describe intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal causes of acute abdominal pain, frequency of specific diagnoses in patients with acute abdominal pain, and common abdominal signs and findings noted on physical examination. Figures show abdominal pain in specific locations, a data sheet, the differential diagnosis of an abdominal mass by quadrant or region, characteristic patterns of abdominal pain, acute appendicitis with associated appendicolith, bilateral adrenal masses, adrenocortical carcinoma, retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma, pancreatic mass, a sagittal ultrasonogram of the pancreas, ultrasonograms of the liver, a dark and well circumscribed abdominal mass, gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, and percutaneous biopsy of a large abdominal mass. An algorithm outlines the assessment of acute abdominal pain and abdominal mass. This review contains 16 figures, 5 tables, and 164 references. Keywords:  anatomy, swellings, inflammatory, opioid, palpatation, PET, COVID 19


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatma Sarac ◽  
Sevgi Buyukbese Sarsu ◽  
Selman Yeniocak ◽  
Kamil Sahin ◽  
Esma Yucetas ◽  
...  

Objectives. Diagnosis of pediatric patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain is not always easy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of irisin, a peptide hormone with reactivity shown in the appendix and neutrophils, in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain. Methods. 162 subjects consenting to participate, including 112 patients presenting to the Pediatric Emergency and Pediatric Surgery clinics with acute abdominal pain and 50 controls, were enrolled in the study. Blood was collected from all patients following initial examination for irisin, WBC, and CRP investigation. Results. Mean irisin levels in cases of acute appendicitis (AA) and perforated appendicitis (PA) were statistically significantly higher compared to nonspecific abdominal pains and the control group. No statistically significant difference was observed in irisin levels between AA and PA cases. WBC and CRP levels were also significantly higher in cases of AA and PA compared to nonspecific abdominal pains. Conclusions. Differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pains in children and deciding on surgery are a difficult and complex process. Our study shows that irisin can be a useful biomarker in differentiating AA and PA from other acute abdominal pains in children.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Maram Z. Nached ◽  
Labib S. Al-Ozaibi

Lymphatic filariasis is a common tropical parasitic infection caused by the Nematoda Filarioidae family. Filariasis predominantly affects the lymphoreticular system, leading to lymphedema, elephantiasis, hydrocele, and chyluria. However, its presentation as retroperitoneal cyst is very rare with a reported incidence rate of 1/105,000. We present a rare case of a previously healthy 26-year-old male presenting with abdominal and groin pain associated with chills and vomiting. Computerized tomography scan showed extensive cystic retroperitoneal lesion and ultrasound demonstrated “Dancing Filarial Sign.” Retroperitoneal filariasis can present without peripheral filarial signs. Hence, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain of a patient who is originally from an endemic area.


2016 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-112
Author(s):  
Mihaela Mocan ◽  
Ionuț Isaia Jeican ◽  
Mihai Moale ◽  
Romeo Chira

Acute abdominal pain is one of the most common conditions encountered in the emergency department. The differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain is extensive and identifying the underlying etiology can be challenging. We report a case of acute transient ischemic jejunitis due to symptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection in a patient with no cardiovascular risk factors or autoimmune diseases. Symptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain usually treated in the surgical department. The patient had criteria for conservative treatment and rapidly recovered. We highlight a rare condition which should be taken into account for the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain.


2010 ◽  
Vol 92 (6) ◽  
pp. e1-e2 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Nageswaran ◽  
A Dunkley

A case is presented of severe abdominal pain around a healed scar following fracture of a heterotopically formed bone. This should be considered an unusual differential diagnosis in patients with acute pain of unknown origin who had open abdominal surgery in the past. To our knowledge, we have also reported the first case of hetertopic bone formation incorporating a prolene mesh.


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