Differential Diagnosis for Lower Left Quadrant Pain
The following is a list of potential causes of lower left quadrant pain, categorized by likelihood and severity.
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: This is a common cause of lower left quadrant pain, especially in older adults. It occurs when diverticula in the colon become inflamed, leading to pain, tenderness, and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Severe constipation can cause significant pain and discomfort in the lower left quadrant, especially if there is a large fecal impaction.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause recurring abdominal pain, including in the lower left quadrant, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits.
- Kidney Stone: A kidney stone passing through the ureter can cause severe pain that radiates to the lower left quadrant.
- Ovarian Cyst (in females): An ovarian cyst can cause pain in the lower left quadrant, especially if it ruptures or becomes twisted.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy (in females): A pregnancy developing outside the uterus can cause severe pain and bleeding, and is a medical emergency.
- Appendicitis (if the appendix is located in the lower left quadrant): Although the appendix is typically located in the lower right quadrant, it can be located in other areas, including the lower left quadrant.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can cause severe pain, vomiting, and constipation, and requires prompt medical attention.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis): These conditions can cause chronic inflammation and damage to the digestive tract, leading to severe pain and other symptoms.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Colonic Volvulus: A twisting of the colon can cause severe pain, vomiting, and constipation, and requires prompt medical attention.
- Intussusception: A condition in which a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, causing bowel obstruction and severe pain.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: A reduction in blood flow to the intestines can cause severe pain, vomiting, and constipation, and requires prompt medical attention.
- Retroperitoneal Hematoma: Bleeding into the space behind the peritoneum can cause severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.