Differential Diagnosis for Left Lower Quadrant Sharp Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: This condition is a common cause of left lower quadrant pain, especially in older adults. The sharp pain is often accompanied by changes in bowel habits, fever, and nausea.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Kidney stone: A stone in the left ureter can cause severe, sharp pain in the left lower quadrant that may radiate to the groin.
- Ovarian cyst or torsion: In women, a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion can cause sudden, severe pain in the left lower quadrant.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic or acute pain in the left lower quadrant, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits and blood in the stool.
- Intestinal obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can cause severe, sharp pain in the left lower quadrant, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Ectopic pregnancy: Although less common, an ectopic pregnancy can cause severe, sharp pain in the left lower quadrant and is a life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: This is a medical emergency that can cause severe, sharp pain in the left lower quadrant, often accompanied by hypotension and shock.
- Appendicitis (if the appendix is located in the left lower quadrant): Although appendicitis typically causes pain in the right lower quadrant, it can occur in the left lower quadrant if the appendix is malpositioned.
- Rare diagnoses
- Endometriosis: This condition can cause chronic pain in the left lower quadrant, especially during menstruation.
- Colonic cancer: Although rare, colonic cancer can cause pain in the left lower quadrant, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits, weight loss, and blood in the stool.
- Splenic infarction or rupture: These conditions can cause severe, sharp pain in the left upper quadrant but can sometimes radiate to the left lower quadrant.