Differential Diagnosis for 60 year old female with lower abdominal pain radiating to back
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: This condition is common in older adults and can cause severe lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back, especially if the diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Kidney stones: The pain from kidney stones can radiate from the lower abdomen to the back and is often severe and colicky.
- Ovarian cysts: Although less common in postmenopausal women, ovarian cysts can still occur and cause lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): A UTI can cause lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back, especially if the infection has moved up to the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
- Degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis: These conditions can cause lower back pain that radiates to the abdomen.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Ectopic pregnancy: Although rare in a 60-year-old woman, an ectopic pregnancy can still occur, especially with the use of fertility treatments, and is a life-threatening condition.
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis can occur at any age and can cause lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
- Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): A ruptured AAA is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe lower abdominal and back pain.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis can cause severe upper and lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
- Rare diagnoses
- Endometriosis: Although rare in postmenopausal women, endometriosis can still occur and cause lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
- Ureteral stricture or obstruction: A ureteral stricture or obstruction can cause severe lower abdominal and back pain.
- Retroperitoneal fibrosis: This is a rare condition that can cause lower abdominal and back pain due to inflammation and scarring in the retroperitoneal space.