Differential Diagnosis for Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ) Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: The most common cause of LLQ pain, especially in older adults, due to inflammation of the diverticula in the sigmoid colon.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Can cause LLQ pain due to fecal impaction or straining during bowel movements.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
- Ovarian Cyst: Can cause LLQ pain in women, especially if the cyst ruptures or becomes twisted.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A life-threatening condition that can cause LLQ pain in women of childbearing age.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although more commonly associated with right lower quadrant pain, appendicitis can occasionally present with LLQ pain, especially if the appendix is retrocecal.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A bowel obstruction can cause severe LLQ pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic LLQ pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Kidney Stone: A stone in the left ureter can cause severe LLQ pain, radiating to the groin.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing chronic LLQ pain.
- Inguinal Hernia: A hernia in the groin area can cause LLQ pain, especially if it becomes incarcerated or strangulated.
- Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause LLQ pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Splenic Infarction: A rare condition in which the spleen becomes infarcted, causing severe LLQ pain.