Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Quadrant Abdominal Pain with Vision Changes
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Migraine with abdominal symptoms: This condition is a strong consideration because migraines can cause a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain and visual disturbances such as auras. The left upper quadrant pain could be referred pain or part of the migraine syndrome.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Although GERD typically causes heartburn and regurgitation, it can sometimes cause upper abdominal pain. Vision changes are not a direct symptom but could be related to the discomfort or stress of having GERD.
- Peptic ulcer disease: Similar to GERD, peptic ulcers can cause upper abdominal pain. Vision changes are not typically associated but could be related to systemic effects of severe disease or medication side effects.
- Pancreatitis: While pancreatitis usually causes mid-abdominal pain, it can sometimes be felt in the upper quadrants. Vision changes are not common but could occur due to systemic inflammation or severe illness.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm or dissection: Although these conditions typically cause severe back or abdominal pain, they can sometimes present with atypical symptoms. Vision changes could occur due to decreased blood flow or embolic events. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: This condition can cause abdominal pain and visual disturbances due to severe metabolic derangements. It's crucial to consider in patients with diabetes.
- Porphyria: Acute intermittent porphyria can cause severe abdominal pain, neurological symptoms, and sometimes visual disturbances. It's a rare condition but can be life-threatening if not recognized.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or optic neuritis: These conditions can cause visual disturbances and, in some cases, abdominal pain due to neurological dysfunction.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): SLE can cause a wide range of symptoms including abdominal pain and visual disturbances due to its autoimmune nature.
- Sickle cell crisis: Patients with sickle cell disease can experience abdominal pain and visual disturbances due to vaso-occlusive crises affecting various parts of the body.