Differential Diagnosis for LUQ Pain Radiating to Back in a 50 y.o. Female
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is common in adults and can cause pain in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) that radiates to the back, especially after eating or at night. The pain is often described as a burning sensation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Peptic ulcers can cause LUQ pain that radiates to the back, and the pain is often worsened by food. The patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis can cause severe LUQ pain that radiates to the back, and the patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder can cause LUQ pain that radiates to the back, especially after eating fatty foods. The patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction: Although less common in women, myocardial infarction can cause LUQ pain that radiates to the back, and it is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a life-threatening condition.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism can cause sudden-onset LUQ pain that radiates to the back, and it is crucial to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a life-threatening condition.
- Aortic Dissection: An aortic dissection can cause severe LUQ pain that radiates to the back, and it is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a life-threatening condition.
Rare Diagnoses
- Splenic Infarction: Splenic infarction can cause LUQ pain that radiates to the back, but it is a rare condition that is often associated with underlying conditions such as sickle cell disease or cancer.
- Left Upper Lobe Pneumonia: Left upper lobe pneumonia can cause LUQ pain that radiates to the back, but it is a rare condition that is often associated with underlying respiratory conditions.
- Gastric Cancer: Gastric cancer can cause LUQ pain that radiates to the back, but it is a rare condition that is often associated with underlying risk factors such as a family history of gastric cancer.