Differential Diagnosis for Right Iliac Fossa Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Appendicitis: This is the most common cause of right iliac fossa pain, especially if the pain is acute, constant, and accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. The pain often starts around the navel and then moves to the right lower quadrant.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Mesenteric Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery can cause right iliac fossa pain, often mimicking appendicitis. It's more common in children and young adults.
- Ovarian Cyst or Torsion: In females, a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion can cause severe pain in the right iliac fossa, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Although less common, an ectopic pregnancy can present with right iliac fossa pain, especially if the ectopic pregnancy is located in the right fallopian tube.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Obstruction of the small or large intestine can cause pain in the right iliac fossa, along with nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: As mentioned earlier, an ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
- Ruptured Aortic Aneurysm: Although rare, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause severe abdominal pain, including in the right iliac fossa, and is a medical emergency.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of a diverticulum in the colon can cause severe pain, usually on the left side, but can occasionally present on the right.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic pain in the right iliac fossa, along with other symptoms like diarrhea and weight loss.
Rare Diagnoses
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine can cause pain in the right iliac fossa, especially if it becomes inflamed or obstructed.
- Right Kidney Stone: A stone in the right ureter can cause severe pain in the right iliac fossa, radiating to the groin.
- Psoas Abscess: An abscess in the psoas muscle can cause pain in the right iliac fossa, along with fever and limited hip movement.
- Right Adrenal Gland Pathology: Rare conditions like adrenal tumors or hemorrhage can cause right iliac fossa pain, although these are extremely uncommon.