Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain in a 20-year-old Female with a History of Gallbladder Removal and Negative Stool Test
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Given the patient's age, gender, and history of gallbladder removal, IBS is a common condition that could explain the abdominal pain, especially with a negative stool test and other exams.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Abdominal pain can be a symptom of GERD, and it's common in young adults.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Although the stool test is negative, IBD (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) could still be a possibility, especially if the patient has other symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, or blood in the stool.
- Functional Dyspepsia: This condition is characterized by recurring abdominal pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, and it's common in young adults.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although the patient's symptoms and exams are negative, appendicitis can present atypically, especially in young women, and missing this diagnosis could be catastrophic.
- Ovarian Cyst or Torsion: These conditions can cause severe abdominal pain and are more common in young women.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: A bleeding or perforated ulcer can be life-threatening, and the patient's symptoms could be a manifestation of this condition.
Rare Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the small or large intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing abdominal pain, especially during menstruation.
- Porphyria: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms.