Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 13, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Central Abdominal Pain Radiating to Back and Left Side

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Pancreatitis: The pain pattern described, with central abdominal pain radiating to the back, is classic for pancreatitis. The involvement of the left side could indicate the tail of the pancreas is affected.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: While peptic ulcers typically cause epigastric pain, they can radiate to the back and, less commonly, to the left side if the ulcer is located in a specific area of the stomach or duodenum.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause central chest and abdominal pain that may radiate to the back and sides, although it's less common for it to radiate to the left side specifically.
  • Diverticulitis: If the diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon, which is on the left side, diverticulitis could cause left-sided abdominal pain that radiates to the back.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Aortic Dissection: Although less common, aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe, tearing pain in the chest and abdomen that radiates to the back. The pain can be on one side if the dissection involves a branch of the aorta.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, ectopic pregnancy can cause severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back and sides. It's a medical emergency.
  • Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Similar to aortic dissection, a ruptured AAA can cause severe abdominal and back pain and is immediately life-threatening.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Splenic Infarction or Rupture: These conditions can cause severe left upper quadrant pain that radiates to the left side of the abdomen and back. They are less common but can be associated with specific risk factors like trauma or sickle cell disease.
  • Left Kidney Stone or Pyelonephritis: While kidney stones typically cause flank pain, and pyelonephritis causes flank pain and fever, in some cases, the pain can radiate to the abdomen and back, especially if the stone is moving or the infection is severe.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.