Differential Diagnosis for Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ) Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: This is a common cause of LLQ pain, especially in older adults. The pain is usually constant and accompanied by changes in bowel habits, fever, and nausea.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Constipation: Hard stools or difficulty passing stools can cause significant pain in the LLQ, often accompanied by bloating and discomfort.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by recurring abdominal pain associated with a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.
- Ovarian Cyst: In women, a ruptured or torsioned ovarian cyst can cause severe LLQ pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Kidney Stone: A stone in the left ureter can cause severe, colicky pain in the LLQ, radiating to the groin, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, a pregnancy developing outside the uterus can cause severe LLQ pain, vaginal bleeding, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Appendicitis (if the appendix is located in the LLQ): Although appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, in some cases, the appendix can be located in the LLQ, causing pain in this area.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic LLQ pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Rare diagnoses
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain, especially during menstruation.
- Inguinal Hernia: A protrusion of tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, which can cause pain and discomfort in the groin area, potentially radiating to the LLQ.
- Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue, among other symptoms.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, causing bowel obstruction and severe abdominal pain.