Differential Diagnosis for a 9-year-old with Flank Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Constipation: This is a common issue in children that can cause abdominal or flank pain. The absence of a positive urine dipstick test makes a urinary tract infection less likely, but it doesn't rule out other causes of flank pain.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Children can experience musculoskeletal pain due to various reasons such as overuse, injury, or poor posture, which could manifest as flank pain.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease, or even simple stomach viruses could cause pain that might be perceived in the flank area.
- Stress or Anxiety: Sometimes, children may experience somatic complaints, including pain, due to stress or anxiety, which could be perceived as flank pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pyelonephritis or Kidney Infection: Although the urine dipstick is negative, it's crucial not to miss a kidney infection. Some infections, especially if they are not causing significant bacteriuria or are early in their course, might not be detected by a dipstick test. Clinical judgment and possibly further testing (like urine culture) are necessary.
- Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones): Though less common in children, kidney stones can cause severe flank pain and must be considered, especially if there's a family history or other risk factors.
- Appendicitis: While appendicitis typically presents with abdominal pain, in some cases, especially if the appendix is retrocecal, the pain might be perceived in the flank area.
Rare Diagnoses
- Wilms Tumor: A type of kidney cancer that can cause flank pain, although it's very rare and typically presents with a palpable abdominal mass.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): An inherited disorder that can cause cysts to form on the kidneys, potentially leading to flank pain, though it's uncommon in children to present with symptoms this early.
- Vesicoureteral Reflux: A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the kidneys, which could potentially cause flank pain, especially if associated with urinary tract infections.