Differential Diagnosis For Lower Abdominal Pain In Females: Diagnostic Modalities

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to covering the differential diagnosis for lower abdominal pain in females. This differential will be organized by diagnostic modality.

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WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CATEGORIES OF DIAGNOSTIC MODALITIES THAT ARE USED?

Diagnostic modalities to keep in mind when considering lower abdominal pain in females include:

  • History & Physical
  • Transabdominal/transvaginal ultrasound 
  • Abdominal CT scan
DIAGNOSIS MADE WITH THE HISTORY AND PHYSICAL

Some causes of lower abdominal pain in females might not really require much a of a clinical workup (and are really more of a “clinical diagnosis” largely made from the history). With this in mind a clinical workup may still inform the diagnosis and can help rule out other causes of the patient’s presentation. Examples of these types of conditions that can cause lower abdominal pain in females are listed below.

DIAGNOSIS MADE WITH TRANSABDOMINAL/TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND

Varying combinations of both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound may be utilized to work up lower abdominal pain in females. The following conditions can be diagnosed with these studies:

Female specific diagnosis:

  • Ectopic pregnancy: this diagnosis will be made in the context of a positive beta-hCG measurement
  • Ovarian torsion: doppler ultrasound of the ovary will be useful for making this diagnosis.
  • Uterine fibroids: these can often be visually on transabdominal ultrasound and might be the cause of the RLQ pain.

Sex independent diagnosis:

  • Appendicitis: if the appendix can be visualized ultrasound can help make the diagnosis of appendicitis.
DIAGNOSIS MADE WITH AN ABDOMINAL CT SCAN

 

 

Page Updated: 01.23.2017