Differential Diagnosis for Sudden and Severe Abdominal Pain in a Female
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ovarian torsion: This condition is a gynecological emergency that can cause sudden and severe abdominal pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It occurs when the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off blood supply.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although more common in males, appendicitis can cause severe abdominal pain in females, typically starting near the navel and then moving to the lower right abdomen.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially if it ruptures. This is a critical condition requiring immediate medical attention.
- Kidney stones: While not exclusive to females, kidney stones can cause severe, sudden pain, often radiating from the back to the abdomen.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract can lead to severe abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: Although less common in younger females, a ruptured AAA is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate surgical intervention.
- Pulmonary embolism: While the primary symptom is chest pain, a large pulmonary embolism can cause abdominal pain if it affects the lower lobes of the lungs.
- Sickle cell crisis: In individuals with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause severe abdominal pain due to vaso-occlusion.
Rare Diagnoses
- Adrenal hemorrhage: A rare condition that can cause sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, often associated with hypotension.
- Mesenteric ischemia: A condition where blood flow to the intestines is blocked, leading to severe abdominal pain, which is more common in older adults.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, causing bowel obstruction and severe abdominal pain, more common in children but can occur in adults.