Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Groin Pain and Swelling in an Athlete

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • A. Rupture IEA (Inferior Epigastric Artery): This is a possible cause of sudden groin pain and swelling, especially in athletes, due to the potential for acute hemorrhage or rupture of the inferior epigastric artery, which could lead to a hematoma.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • C. Inguinal hernia: Direct or indirect inguinal hernias can cause groin pain and swelling, especially if they become incarcerated or strangulated, which is a medical emergency.
  • D. Indirect inguinal hernia: Similar to inguinal hernia, an indirect inguinal hernia can cause sudden groin pain and swelling, particularly if it becomes incarcerated or strangulated.
  • B. Inguinal hematoma: This could be a result of trauma or injury to the inguinal region, leading to bleeding and subsequent hematoma formation.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Testicular torsion: Although not listed, testicular torsion is a medical emergency that can present with sudden groin pain and should not be missed due to its potential for causing infertility if not treated promptly.
  • Femoral hernia with incarceration/strangulation: Similar to inguinal hernias, femoral hernias can become incarcerated or strangulated, leading to severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications if not addressed promptly.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Athletic pubalgia (sports hernia): This is a condition that affects athletes, causing chronic groin pain due to a weakness in the abdominal wall, but it might not typically present with sudden swelling.
  • Osteitis pubis: An inflammatory condition affecting the pubic bone and surrounding structures, which could cause groin pain but is less likely to present with sudden swelling.