Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Abdominal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastritis: This is often the most common cause of left upper abdominal pain due to the stomach's location. Gastritis can be caused by various factors including infection, alcohol consumption, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Similar to gastritis, peptic ulcers can cause significant pain in the left upper abdomen, especially if the ulcer is located in the stomach.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While GERD typically causes symptoms in the chest, it can also lead to left upper abdominal pain due to the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
- Pancreatitis: Although pancreatitis can cause more central abdominal pain, it can also radiate to the left upper quadrant, especially if the tail of the pancreas is involved.
- Splenic Pathology: Conditions affecting the spleen, such as splenomegaly or splenic infarction, can cause left upper abdominal pain due to the spleen's location.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction: Although myocardial infarction typically presents with chest pain, it can sometimes cause referred pain in the left upper abdomen, especially if the inferior wall of the heart is involved.
- Pneumonia: Basilar pneumonia, especially on the left side, can cause abdominal pain due to the proximity of the diaphragm to the lung bases.
- Aortic Dissection: This is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe, tearing pain that may radiate to the abdomen, including the left upper quadrant.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: This condition involves insufficient blood flow to the intestines and can cause severe abdominal pain, which may initially be localized to the left upper quadrant.
Rare Diagnoses
- Left Diaphragmatic Hernia: A rare condition where abdominal contents herniate through the diaphragm, potentially causing left upper abdominal pain.
- Splenic Artery Aneurysm: A rare condition that can cause left upper abdominal pain, especially if the aneurysm ruptures.
- Gastric Cancer: Although less common, gastric cancer can cause left upper abdominal pain, especially in older adults or those with risk factors.
- Intestinal Obstruction: While more commonly causing central abdominal pain, an obstruction in the upper gastrointestinal tract can lead to left upper abdominal pain.