Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Quadrant Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is a common cause of left upper quadrant pain due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to inflammation and discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause left upper quadrant pain, especially if the ulcer is located near the stomach's upper curvature.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to pain in the left upper quadrant, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Pancreatitis: Although pancreatitis typically causes mid-abdominal pain, it can sometimes radiate to the left upper quadrant, especially if the pancreatic tail is involved.
- Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen, which can be due to various causes such as infections, liver diseases, or blood disorders, can cause left upper quadrant pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction: Although myocardial infarction typically presents with chest pain, it can sometimes cause referred pain in the left upper quadrant, especially if the inferior wall of the heart is involved.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism can cause sudden onset of left upper quadrant pain if the embolism is located in the upper lobe of the left lung.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can cause severe, tearing pain that can radiate to the left upper quadrant.
- Splenic Rupture: A ruptured spleen is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention, often presenting with sudden onset of severe left upper quadrant pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Left Diaphragmatic Hernia: A rare condition where abdominal contents herniate through the diaphragm, causing left upper quadrant pain and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Gastric Cancer: Although rare, gastric cancer can cause left upper quadrant pain, especially if the tumor is located in the upper stomach.
- Splenic Artery Aneurysm: A rare condition where the splenic artery becomes dilated, potentially causing left upper quadrant pain and risk of rupture.
- Left Upper Quadrant Mass: Various rare conditions, such as a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor or a retroperitoneal sarcoma, can cause a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant, leading to pain and other symptoms.