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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.

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.

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