Differential Diagnosis for LLQ Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: This is a common cause of left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain, especially in older adults. The sharp pain is consistent with inflammation of the diverticula in the sigmoid colon.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Severe constipation can cause sharp pain in the LLQ due to the buildup of stool in the sigmoid colon.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause sharp abdominal pain, including in the LLQ, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits.
- Ovarian Cyst: A ruptured or torsed ovarian cyst can cause sharp pain in the LLQ in females.
- Kidney Stone: A stone in the left ureter can cause sharp pain in the LLQ, often radiating to the groin.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A life-threatening condition that can cause sharp LLQ pain in females, especially if there is a history of missed periods or positive pregnancy test.
- Appendicitis (atypical presentation): Although appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, an atypical presentation can occur, especially if the appendix is retrocecal.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A mechanical obstruction of the intestine can cause severe, sharp pain in the LLQ, often accompanied by vomiting and constipation.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause sharp LLQ pain, often accompanied by diarrhea, weight loss, and fever.
Rare Diagnoses
- Inferior Mesenteric Artery Embolism: A rare condition that can cause sharp LLQ pain due to embolism of the inferior mesenteric artery.
- Colonic Volvulus: A rare condition where the colon twists, causing sharp pain in the LLQ.
- Endometriosis: A rare cause of sharp LLQ pain in females, often accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding and infertility.
- Lymphoma: A rare cause of sharp LLQ pain due to lymphoma involving the intestines or lymph nodes in the abdomen.