Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Front Abdominal Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Ovarian Cyst Rupture or Ovarian Torsion: The description of the pain as a bad period cramp with intense pressure, and the fact that sitting in water helped, suggests a gynecological origin. The sudden onset and gradual increase in pain severity are consistent with these conditions.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Kidney Stone: The severe, continuous pain could be indicative of a kidney stone, especially if the pain radiates to the back or groin. However, the description of the pain as similar to a period cramp and the relief from sitting in water makes this less likely.
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with pain that initially is diffuse or around the navel and then localizes to the lower right abdomen, atypical presentations can occur, especially in women.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Pyelonephritis: These conditions can cause severe abdominal pain, but they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, or fever.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Ectopic Pregnancy: This is a life-threatening condition that must be considered in any woman of childbearing age presenting with sudden abdominal pain, especially if there's a possibility of pregnancy.
- Ruptured Aortic Aneurysm: Although less common in younger individuals, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can present with severe, sudden abdominal pain and is immediately life-threatening.
- Pulmonary Embolism: In some cases, pulmonary embolism can refer pain to the abdomen, especially if the embolism is large or involves the lung bases.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Endometriosis: While endometriosis can cause chronic pelvic pain, it's less likely to cause sudden, severe pain unless there's an acute complication like an endometrioma rupture.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Certain adrenal gland disorders, such as a hemorrhage or tumor, can cause abdominal pain, but these are rare and usually have other associated symptoms.