Differential Diagnosis for Left Lower Quadrant Abdominal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: This is a common cause of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, especially in older adults. The pain is usually constant and accompanied by tenderness, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Can cause left lower quadrant pain due to the accumulation of feces in the sigmoid colon.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements, which can include left lower quadrant pain.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation and pain in the left lower quadrant.
- Ovarian Cysts or Torsion: In females, ovarian cysts or torsion can cause severe left lower quadrant pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention, presenting with severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and missed periods.
- Appendicitis (if appendix is located in the left lower quadrant): Although the appendix is typically located in the right lower quadrant, in some cases it can be found in the left lower quadrant, causing pain and tenderness.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation, requiring prompt medical attention.
- Infectious Colitis: Infections like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) or other bacterial causes can lead to severe colitis, presenting with diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Colonic Cancer: Although less common, cancer in the sigmoid colon can cause left lower quadrant pain, changes in bowel habits, and weight loss.
- Splenic Infarction or Rupture: The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant but can cause referred pain to the left lower quadrant in cases of infarction or rupture.
- Ureteral Calculi (Kidney Stones): Stones in the ureter can cause severe pain that radiates from the flank to the groin, potentially involving the left lower quadrant.
- Lymphoma: Abdominal lymphoma can cause pain, weight loss, and other systemic symptoms, including left lower quadrant pain due to involvement of abdominal lymph nodes.