Differential Diagnosis for Stabbing Left Upper Quadrant Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastritis or Peptic Ulcer Disease: This is often the most common cause of stabbing pain in the left upper quadrant due to the location of the stomach. The pain can be exacerbated by eating or relieved by antacids, which supports this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe, stabbing pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back. The pain is often constant and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Splenic Infarction or Rupture: Given the spleen's location in the left upper quadrant, conditions affecting it can cause localized pain. Splenic infarction or rupture can present with sudden, severe pain and is often associated with trauma or underlying conditions like sickle cell disease.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While more commonly associated with burning chest pain, GERD can also cause sharp pains in the upper abdomen, including the left upper quadrant, especially after eating.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although the pain is typically in the chest, a pulmonary embolism can occasionally refer pain to the upper abdomen, including the left upper quadrant, especially if the embolism involves the lower parts of the lung.
- Aortic Dissection: This is a life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the aorta's inner layer. The pain can be severe, stabbing, and may initially be localized to the chest or upper back but can radiate to the abdomen.
- Ectopic Pregnancy (in women): Although typically presenting with lower abdominal pain, an ectopic pregnancy can occasionally cause upper abdominal pain, especially if the pregnancy is advanced or there is associated bleeding.
- Rare diagnoses
- Diaphragmatic Hernia: A hernia through the diaphragm can cause upper abdominal pain, including in the left upper quadrant, especially if stomach or intestinal contents herniate into the thoracic cavity.
- Left Lower Lobe Pneumonia: In some cases, pneumonia affecting the lower lobe of the left lung can cause referred pain to the left upper quadrant of the abdomen.
- Intestinal Obstruction: While more commonly associated with diffuse abdominal pain, an obstruction in the upper gastrointestinal tract can cause localized pain in the left upper quadrant, depending on the exact location and nature of the obstruction.