Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Quadrant Pain Worsening After Eating
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peptic ulcer disease: This condition is a common cause of left upper quadrant pain that worsens after eating, especially if the pain is related to the consumption of certain foods or if it occurs a few hours after eating.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause left upper quadrant pain, especially after eating, due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause pain in the left upper quadrant that worsens after eating.
- Pancreatitis: Although pancreatitis typically causes mid-abdominal pain, it can sometimes radiate to the left upper quadrant and worsen after eating, especially if the pain is related to gallstones or alcohol consumption.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Splenic infarction or rupture: Although less common, a splenic infarction or rupture can cause severe left upper quadrant pain and is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.
- Gastric cancer: Although rare, gastric cancer can cause left upper quadrant pain that worsens after eating, and it is essential to rule out this diagnosis, especially in older adults or those with a family history of the disease.
- Mesenteric ischemia: This condition, which involves a lack of blood flow to the intestines, can cause severe abdominal pain, including left upper quadrant pain, and is a medical emergency.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Splenic artery aneurysm: A rare condition that can cause left upper quadrant pain, especially if the aneurysm ruptures.
- Left upper quadrant hernias: Although rare, hernias in the left upper quadrant can cause pain that worsens after eating, especially if the hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated.
- Intestinal obstruction: Although more common in the lower abdomen, intestinal obstruction can sometimes cause left upper quadrant pain, especially if the obstruction is due to a rare condition such as a volvulus or intussusception.