Differential Diagnosis for Lower Right Quadrant Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Appendicitis: The most common cause of lower right quadrant pain, especially if it's severe, persistent, and accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. The pain often starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon, which can cause pain in the lower abdomen, often on the right side, along with changes in bowel habits and fever.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. The pain can be localized to the lower right quadrant.
- Ovarian Cyst or Torsion: In women, a cyst or torsion of the ovary can cause severe, sudden pain in the lower abdomen, which can be on the right side.
- Kidney Stone: A stone in the ureter can cause severe pain that radiates from the flank to the groin, and can sometimes be felt in the lower right quadrant.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Ruptured Aneurysm: A rupture of the abdominal aorta or other major blood vessels, which can cause severe abdominal pain, shock, and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
- Perforated Visculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause abdominal pain, and if perforation occurs, it can lead to peritonitis and sepsis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, and can sometimes present with acute pain in the lower right quadrant.
- Yersinia or Campylobacter Infection: Bacterial infections that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever, and can sometimes mimic appendicitis.
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can cause abdominal pain, bleeding, and obstruction, especially in children and young adults.