Differential Diagnosis for AAA Rupture
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Aortic Dissection: This is a condition where there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aorta, potentially leading to a rupture. The symptoms can be similar to an AAA rupture, including severe abdominal or back pain.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: A perforated peptic ulcer can cause severe abdominal pain and may mimic the symptoms of an AAA rupture.
- Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which may be similar to the symptoms of an AAA rupture.
- Renal Colic: Severe pain from a kidney stone can radiate to the back and abdomen, similar to an AAA rupture.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Although less common in postmenopausal women, an ectopic pregnancy can cause severe abdominal pain and internal bleeding, similar to an AAA rupture.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A large pulmonary embolism can cause sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath, which may be mistaken for an AAA rupture in some cases.
- Ruptured Ovarian Cyst: A ruptured ovarian cyst can cause severe abdominal pain and internal bleeding, similar to an AAA rupture.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Splenic Rupture: A ruptured spleen can cause severe abdominal pain and internal bleeding, but it is less common than other causes of abdominal pain.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: This is a condition where the blood flow to the intestines is blocked, causing severe abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Retroperitoneal Hematoma: A collection of blood in the retroperitoneal space can cause severe abdominal and back pain, but it is a rare condition.