Differential Diagnosis for Acute Abdominal Pain with Nausea and Vomiting in the Setting of Large Hepatomegaly
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Spontaneous Rupture of a Hepatic Tumor or Hematoma: This condition is highly plausible given the large hepatomegaly, as tumors or hematomas can rupture, leading to acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hepatic Vein Thrombosis (Budd-Chiari Syndrome): This condition can cause hepatomegaly and acute abdominal pain due to thrombosis of the hepatic veins, leading to liver congestion and potentially nausea and vomiting.
- Acute Hepatitis: Although hepatitis typically presents with more systemic symptoms, severe cases can lead to significant hepatomegaly and abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Liver Abscess: A collection of pus in the liver can cause hepatomegaly, pain, and systemic symptoms like nausea and vomiting, especially if the abscess is large or ruptures.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Although not directly related to hepatomegaly, a ruptured AAA can cause severe abdominal pain and should be considered in the differential due to its high mortality rate if missed.
- Ovarian Torsion: In females, ovarian torsion can cause severe abdominal pain and nausea, and while it's not directly related to hepatomegaly, it's a critical diagnosis not to miss due to the potential for losing the ovary.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Another critical diagnosis in females, ectopic pregnancy can present with abdominal pain and nausea, and while it's not directly related to hepatomegaly, it's life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various organs, including the liver, leading to hepatomegaly. It can cause abdominal pain and other systemic symptoms, though it's less common.
- Polycystic Liver Disease: A rare genetic disorder leading to the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the liver, which can cause hepatomegaly and abdominal pain.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis: An autoimmune disease of the liver that can lead to hepatomegaly and abdominal pain, though it typically has a more chronic presentation.