Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Quadrant Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is a common cause of left upper quadrant pain due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause pain in the left upper quadrant, especially if the ulcer is located near the stomach.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause left upper quadrant pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Pancreatitis: Although pancreatitis typically causes mid-abdominal pain, it can radiate to the left upper quadrant, especially if the tail of the pancreas is involved.
- Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen can cause left upper quadrant pain, often due to conditions such as liver disease, infections, or blood disorders.
- Left Kidney Stone or Pyelonephritis: Although kidney stones or infections typically cause flank pain, they can radiate to the left upper quadrant in some cases.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction: Cardiac ischemia can cause referred pain in the left upper quadrant, especially if the inferior wall of the heart is involved.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden onset of left upper quadrant pain, especially if the clot is located in the left lower lobe.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta can cause severe left upper quadrant pain, often radiating to the back.
- Spleen Rupture: A ruptured spleen can cause severe left upper quadrant pain, often accompanied by hemodynamic instability.
Rare Diagnoses
- Left Diaphragmatic Hernia: A hernia through the diaphragm can cause left upper quadrant pain, often accompanied by respiratory symptoms.
- Gastric Cancer: Stomach cancer can cause left upper quadrant pain, often accompanied by weight loss, nausea, and vomiting.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Cancer of the pancreas can cause left upper quadrant pain, often accompanied by weight loss, jaundice, and diabetes.
- Splenic Artery Aneurysm: An aneurysm of the splenic artery can cause left upper quadrant pain, often accompanied by hemodynamic instability.