Abdominal Pain Mimics

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2021 Nov;39(4):839-850. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.003. Epub 2021 Sep 10.

Abstract

Abdominal pain is a common reason for emergency department visits, with many patients not receiving a definitive diagnosis for their symptoms. Non-gastrointestinal causes need to be considered in the workup of abdominal pain. A high index of suspicion is needed in order to develop a broad differential, and a thorough history and physical examination is paramount. This article will discuss some of these diagnoses, including can't miss diagnoses, common non-abdominal causes, and rare etiologies of abdominal pain.

Keywords: Abdominal pain; Differential diagnosis; Mimics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Diseases / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / diagnosis
  • Angioedemas, Hereditary / diagnosis
  • Aortic Diseases / diagnosis
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Herpes Zoster / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • IgA Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Lead Poisoning / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Torsion / diagnosis
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Porphyria, Acute Intermittent / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
  • Thyrotoxicosis / diagnosis
  • Uremia / diagnosis