Differential Diagnosis for Upper Left Quadrant Pain with Low Grade Fever
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastritis: This is a common condition that can cause upper left quadrant pain and is often associated with low-grade fever, especially if caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or NSAID use.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Similar to gastritis, peptic ulcers can cause pain in the upper left quadrant and may be accompanied by low-grade fever, especially if there is an associated infection or inflammation.
- Pancreatitis: Although pancreatitis typically causes more severe pain, mild cases can present with upper left quadrant pain and low-grade fever, especially if the pancreas is only partially inflamed.
- Splenic Infarction or Abscess: Conditions affecting the spleen, such as infarction or abscess, can cause upper left quadrant pain and fever, though these are less common than gastrointestinal causes.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Ruptured Spleen: A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency that can present with sudden onset of severe upper left quadrant pain and fever. It requires immediate surgical intervention.
- Perforated Visrus: Although more commonly associated with peritonitis and severe abdominal pain, a perforation in the upper GI tract can initially present with localized pain and low-grade fever.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: This condition involves insufficient blood flow to the intestines and can cause severe abdominal pain out of proportion to physical examination findings, along with fever. It is a surgical emergency.
- Rare diagnoses
- Diaphragmatic Irritation or Tear: Rarely, irritation or a tear in the diaphragm can cause referred pain to the upper left quadrant, potentially accompanied by fever if there is an associated infection or inflammation.
- Left Lower Lobe Pneumonia: In some cases, pneumonia affecting the left lower lobe of the lung can cause referred pain to the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, especially if the diaphragm is irritated by the infection.