Differential Diagnosis for Right Upper Quadrant Pain with Jaundice
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cholelithiasis with Cholecystitis or Choledocholithiasis: This condition is the most common cause of right upper quadrant pain accompanied by jaundice. The presence of gallstones can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or obstruction of the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis), both of which can cause jaundice.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hepatitis: Viral or alcoholic hepatitis can cause right upper quadrant pain and jaundice due to liver inflammation.
- Pancreatitis: Although pancreatitis typically presents with mid-abdominal pain, it can sometimes cause right upper quadrant pain, especially if the pancreatic head is involved, and can lead to jaundice if the common bile duct is obstructed.
- Cholangitis: Infection of the bile ducts can cause right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and fever, often as a result of bile duct obstruction.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hepatic Abscess: A liver abscess can present with right upper quadrant pain and jaundice, and is a potentially life-threatening condition if not promptly treated.
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Obstruction of the hepatic veins can cause abdominal pain, jaundice, and liver enlargement, and is a medical emergency.
- Malignancy (e.g., Pancreatic, Bile Duct, or Liver Cancer): Although less common, these conditions can present with right upper quadrant pain and jaundice, and early diagnosis is crucial for treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sclerosing Cholangitis: A chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, which can cause jaundice and abdominal pain.
- Congenital Bile Duct Cysts: Abnormal formations of the bile ducts present at birth, which can cause jaundice and abdominal pain if they become obstructed or infected.
- Mirizzi Syndrome: A rare condition where a gallstone becomes impacted in the cystic duct and causes obstruction of the common bile duct, leading to jaundice and right upper quadrant pain.