Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Quadrant Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastritis: This is often the most common cause of left upper quadrant pain due to the stomach's location in the upper left abdomen. Gastritis can be caused by various factors including infection, medication, and lifestyle factors.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause pain in the left upper quadrant, especially if the ulcer is located on the greater curvature of the stomach.
- Pancreatitis: Although pancreatitis typically causes mid-abdominal pain, it can radiate to the left upper quadrant, especially if the tail of the pancreas is involved.
- Splenic Infarction or Rupture: Conditions affecting the spleen, such as infarction or rupture, can cause severe left upper quadrant pain.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause pain in the upper abdomen, including the left upper quadrant, due to acid reflux.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Aortic Dissection: Although rare, aortic dissection can cause severe, tearing pain that may radiate to the left upper quadrant and is a medical emergency.
- Pulmonary Embolism: In some cases, a pulmonary embolism can cause referred pain to the left upper quadrant, especially if the embolism is large and affects the left lung.
- Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: This is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe abdominal pain, including in the left upper quadrant.
- Rare diagnoses
- Diaphragmatic Hernia: A hernia through the diaphragm can cause left upper quadrant pain, especially if stomach or intestinal contents herniate into the thoracic cavity.
- Left Lower Lobe Pneumonia: In some cases, pneumonia in the left lower lobe can cause referred pain to the left upper quadrant due to the proximity of the lung to the abdominal cavity.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Obstruction of the intestines can cause abdominal pain that may be localized to the left upper quadrant, depending on the location of the obstruction.