Differential Diagnosis for Hotness in Gallbladder Location
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cholecystitis: This is an inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones. The symptoms can include pain or a feeling of hotness in the gallbladder area, which is typically located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. This condition is common and the symptoms described align closely with its presentation.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Biliary colic: This condition occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the cystic duct, causing pain that can be perceived as hotness in the gallbladder area. It's a common issue for people with gallstones.
- Peptic ulcer disease: Although the primary location of pain is usually in the epigastric region, peptic ulcers can sometimes cause referred pain to the right upper quadrant, potentially feeling like hotness in the gallbladder location.
- Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver can cause discomfort or a feeling of hotness in the right upper quadrant, where the liver is located, close to the gallbladder.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Gallbladder perforation: A severe complication of cholecystitis where the gallbladder ruptures. It's less common but critical to diagnose early due to the high risk of peritonitis and sepsis.
- Liver abscess: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition where an abscess forms in the liver. It can cause pain in the right upper quadrant and fever.
- Pancreatitis: Although the pain is typically more central and radiates to the back, in some cases, it can be perceived in the right upper quadrant, especially if the pancreatic head is involved.
- Rare diagnoses
- Acalculous cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder without the presence of gallstones, more common in critically ill patients.
- Mirizzi syndrome: A rare condition where a gallstone becomes impacted in the cystic duct and causes obstruction of the common bile duct, leading to symptoms that could include hotness in the gallbladder area.
- Right upper quadrant tumors: Although rare, tumors in the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts can cause localized pain or discomfort.