Differential Diagnosis for Left Sided Abdominal Pain and Jaundice
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cholecystitis or Cholelithiasis: The presence of jaundice along with left sided abdominal pain could be indicative of a gallbladder issue, although gallbladder disease typically presents with right upper quadrant pain. However, the pain can sometimes be referred or radiate to the left side, especially if there's a stone obstructing the common bile duct, leading to jaundice.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pancreatitis: This condition, especially when involving the tail of the pancreas which is located on the left side, can cause left sided abdominal pain. Jaundice can occur if the pancreatic inflammation affects the bile ducts.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Although more commonly associated with epigastric pain, a peptic ulcer can cause left upper quadrant pain if it's located in the stomach or the duodenum near the pancreatic tail. Jaundice is less common but can occur if there's significant bleeding or if the ulcer obstructs the bile duct.
- Hepatitis: While hepatitis typically causes right upper quadrant pain, some patients may experience pain on the left side, especially if the liver is enlarged and presses on adjacent structures. Jaundice is a hallmark of hepatitis.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Splenic Rupture or Infarct: These conditions can cause severe left upper quadrant pain and, in some cases, jaundice if there's significant hemolysis or if the spleen's function is compromised. Splenic issues are critical and require immediate attention.
- Aortic Dissection: Although typically presenting with severe, tearing chest pain, an aortic dissection can cause abdominal pain if it involves the abdominal aorta. Jaundice is not a common symptom but could occur if the dissection compromises blood flow to the liver or bile ducts.
- Ectopic Pregnancy (in females): This is a life-threatening condition that can cause abdominal pain and, in rare cases, jaundice due to hemolysis or liver dysfunction. It's crucial to consider in women of childbearing age.
Rare Diagnoses
- Gastric or Pancreatic Cancer: These malignancies can cause left sided abdominal pain and jaundice, especially if they obstruct the bile ducts. However, they are less common causes of these symptoms.
- Sickle Cell Crisis: In patients with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause abdominal pain due to vaso-occlusion and potentially jaundice due to hemolysis.
- Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder leading to copper accumulation in the liver, which can cause liver dysfunction, abdominal pain, and jaundice.