What is the cause of left upper quadrant (LUQ) abdominal pain?

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Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Abdominal Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a common condition that can cause LUQ abdominal pain due to stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing discomfort.
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause LUQ pain, especially if they are located near the stomach's upper portion.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause LUQ pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which is located in the LUQ, can cause severe abdominal pain.
  • Splenic Infarction or Rupture: Although less common, issues with the spleen, such as an infarction or rupture, can cause LUQ pain.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of a diverticulum in the colon can cause LUQ pain if the diverticulum is located in the sigmoid colon, which can refer pain to the LUQ.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Myocardial Infarction: Although cardiac issues typically present with chest pain, some myocardial infarctions can present with abdominal pain, including LUQ pain, especially if the inferior wall of the heart is involved.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism can cause referred pain to the LUQ if the embolism is located in the lower lobes of the lungs.
  • Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can cause severe abdominal pain, including LUQ pain, and is a medical emergency.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, an ectopic pregnancy can cause LUQ pain and is a life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Splenic Artery Aneurysm: A rare condition where an aneurysm forms in the splenic artery, which can cause LUQ pain if it ruptures.
  • Left Adrenal Gland Tumors: Tumors of the left adrenal gland, such as pheochromocytomas or adrenal cortical carcinomas, can cause LUQ pain.
  • Diaphragmatic Hernia: A rare condition where part of the stomach or intestine herniates through the diaphragm, causing LUQ pain.
  • Intestinal Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause LUQ pain, especially if the ischemia affects the upper gastrointestinal tract.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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