Differential Diagnosis

Given the patient's symptoms have resolved within 8 hours, the differential diagnosis can be organized as follows:

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Acute gastroenteritis: This is a common condition characterized by the sudden onset of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The symptoms often resolve within a short period, typically less than 24 hours, which aligns with the patient's timeline.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Food poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause acute onset of symptoms that may resolve quickly, depending on the causative agent and the amount of contaminated food consumed.
  • Viral pharyngitis: Although primarily affecting the throat, some viral infections can cause transient abdominal pain or discomfort that resolves as the infection clears.
  • Mild pancreatitis: Early stages of pancreatitis can present with abdominal pain that may improve as the condition is managed or if it is a mild, self-limiting episode.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
  • Appendicitis: Although the pain has resolved, appendicitis can present with initial pain that may decrease or seem to resolve before worsening, especially if the appendix ruptures.
  • Myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome: Atypical presentations of MI, especially in women or diabetic patients, can include abdominal pain that may resolve but indicates a serious underlying condition.
  • Pulmonary embolism: Rarely, pulmonary embolism can present with referred abdominal pain, and while the pain may resolve, the underlying condition is life-threatening if not addressed.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause intermittent abdominal pain that may resolve spontaneously but requires medical attention to prevent complications.
  • Mesenteric ischemia: This condition involves insufficient blood flow to the intestines and can present with abdominal pain that may improve but is a medical emergency due to the risk of bowel infarction.
  • Ovarian torsion: Sudden, severe abdominal pain that may resolve is possible in cases of ovarian torsion, which is an emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Each of these diagnoses has a brief justification based on the provided timeline and the nature of the symptoms. The key is to consider both common, self-limiting conditions and more serious, potentially life-threatening diagnoses that require prompt medical evaluation.