Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Quadrant Pain
The following is a list of potential diagnoses for left upper quadrant pain, categorized by likelihood and potential impact.
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastritis: This is a common condition that can cause left upper quadrant pain due to inflammation of the stomach lining. The pain is often related to eating and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause pain in the left upper quadrant, especially if the ulcer is located on the greater curvature of the stomach.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although GERD typically causes heartburn, it can also lead to left upper quadrant pain due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Pancreatitis: While pancreatitis more commonly causes mid-abdominal pain, it can radiate to the left upper quadrant, especially if the tail of the pancreas is involved.
- Splenic Infarction or Rupture: Conditions affecting the spleen, such as infarction or rupture, can cause severe left upper quadrant pain.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction: Although myocardial infarction typically presents with chest pain, it can sometimes cause referred pain to the left upper quadrant, especially if the inferior wall of the heart is involved.
- Pneumonia (Left Lower Lobe): Inflammation of the left lower lobe of the lung can cause pain that is referred to the left upper quadrant due to the shared nerve roots.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries can cause sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath, with possible referral of pain to the left upper quadrant.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Splenic Artery Aneurysm: A rare condition where an aneurysm forms in the splenic artery, which can cause left upper quadrant pain if it ruptures.
- Left Diaphragmatic Hernia: A rare condition where there is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the diaphragm, which can cause left upper quadrant pain.
- Gastric Cancer: Although rare, gastric cancer can cause left upper quadrant pain, especially if the tumor is located in the proximal stomach.