Differential Diagnosis for LLQ and LUQ Abdominal Pain with Vomiting
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroenteritis: This is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, often due to viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. The involvement of both lower left quadrant (LLQ) and lower upper quadrant (LUQ) could be indicative of a diffuse process like gastroenteritis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Although more common in the LLQ, severe constipation can cause diffuse abdominal pain and vomiting.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. The pain can be in any quadrant, depending on the area of the bowel affected.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: While typically causing upper abdominal pain, a perforated ulcer can lead to diffuse abdominal pain and vomiting.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This condition, which can be caused by various factors including adhesions, hernias, or tumors, leads to bowel blockage, resulting in severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and obstipation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although classically presenting with right lower quadrant pain, appendicitis can occasionally present with pain in other quadrants, especially if the appendix is retrocecal. Missing this diagnosis can lead to perforation and severe consequences.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, ectopic pregnancy is a critical diagnosis to consider, as it can present with abdominal pain and vomiting. It is life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: This condition involves insufficient blood flow to the intestines and can present with severe abdominal pain out of proportion to physical examination findings, along with vomiting. It is a medical emergency.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, vomiting, and can be life-threatening if not recognized and managed properly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes a palpable mass. It's more common in children but can occur in adults, often with a lead point like a tumor.
- Malrotation with Volvulus: A congenital anomaly that can cause intestinal obstruction and ischemia, presenting with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. It's rare in adults but can occur.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Although typically presenting with back pain, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause abdominal pain and vomiting, and is immediately life-threatening.