Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain Radiating to Lower Limb
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or injury: This is often the most common cause of abdominal pain radiating to the lower limb, typically due to overuse or direct injury to the muscles or ligaments in the abdominal or lower back region.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Herniated lumbar disc: A herniated disc in the lumbar spine can cause pain that radiates from the abdomen down to the lower limb due to nerve compression.
- Ovarian cyst or torsion (in females): Ovarian cysts or torsion can cause severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the lower limb, especially if the cyst is large or if there is significant bleeding.
- Kidney stones: While kidney stones typically cause flank pain, they can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and down to the groin or lower limb.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic aneurysm or dissection: Although less common, an aortic aneurysm or dissection is a life-threatening condition that can cause abdominal pain radiating to the lower limb. It requires immediate medical attention.
- Ectopic pregnancy (in females): An ectopic pregnancy can cause severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the lower limb and is a medical emergency.
- Appendicitis: While appendicitis typically causes pain localized to the right lower quadrant, in some cases, the pain can radiate to the lower limb, especially if the appendix is retrocecal.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Psoas abscess: A psoas abscess is a rare condition where an abscess forms in the psoas muscle, causing pain that can radiate from the abdomen down to the lower limb.
- Retroperitoneal fibrosis: This is a rare condition characterized by the formation of fibrotic tissue in the retroperitoneum, which can cause abdominal pain radiating to the lower limb due to compression of nerves or other structures.
- Neurogenic tumors: Tumors originating from the nerves, such as neurofibromas or schwannomas, can cause pain that radiates from the abdomen to the lower limb, although this is relatively rare.