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7/30/2019 Acute Abdominal Pain by Dr.Iraqi
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Acute Abdominal Pain Chap. 72
DR/Mohamed Eraki
Lecturer of general and pediatric surgery
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OutlineAcute Abdominal Pain
Definition
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology
Visceral
Referred
History / Physical Exam of Abdominal Pain
Labs / Radiographic Test for Abd Pain
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OutlineAcute Abdominal Pain
Intra-abdominal Diagnosis by Organ System : Gastrointestinal Gynecologic Pain
Appendicitis Acute PID
Biliary Tract Disease Ectopic Preg
Small Ball Obstruction Diverticulitis Vascular
Acute Pancreatitis AAA
Genitourinary Mesenteric Ischemia
Renal Colic Ischemic Colitis
Acute Urinary Retention / UTI
Treatment
Disposition
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Acute Abdominal Pain
Define as:
pain less than one week duration.
The principal reason for an ED visit in 2000.
Annual incidence approx. 63/1000 ED visits
Admission rate varies (high as 63% in pts >
65 yrs old.)
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Types of Abdominal Pain:
Three types of pain exist:
1. Visceral
2. Parietal
3. Referred
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1. Visceral Pain
Due to stretching of fibers innervating the
walls of hollow or solid organs.
It occurs early and poorly localized
It can be due to early ischemia orinflammation.
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2. Parietal Pain
Caused by irritation of parietal peritoneum
fibers.
It occurs late and better localized.
Can be localized to a dermatome superficial
to site of the painful stimulus.
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3. Referred Pain
Pain is felt at a site away from the
pathological organ.
Pain is usually ipsilateral to the involvedorgan and is felt midline if pathology is
midline.
Pattern based on developmental embryology.
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Acute Abdominal Pain
Two approaches to evaluate pts with acute
abdominal pain:
1. Classification of abd pain into systems
2. Abdominal Topography (4 quadrants)
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Classification on Abdominal Pain
Three main categories of abdominal pain:
1. Intra-abdominal (arising from within the abd
cavity / retroperitoneum) involves: GI (Appendicitis, Diverticulitis, etc, etc, etc)
GU (Renal Colic, etc, etc, etc)
Gyn (Acute PID, Pregnancy, etc)
Vascular systems (AAA, Mesenteric Ischemia, etc)
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Classification on Abdominal Pain
2. Extra-abdominal (less common) involves:
Cardiopulmonary (AMI, etc)
Abdominal wall (Hernia, Zoster etc)
Toxic-metabolic (DKA, OD, lead, etc) Neurogenic pain (Zoster, etc)
Psychic (Anxiety, Depression, etc)
3. Nonspecific Abd pain not well explained or
described.
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Abdominal Topography
RUQ LUQ
RLQ LLQ
UPPER ABDOMEN LOWER ABDOMEN
CENTRAL
GENERALIZED
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Historical features of Abd Pain
Location, quality, severity, onset, and
duration of pain, aggravating and alleviating
factors
GI symptoms (N/V/D) GU symptoms
Vascular symptoms (A. fib / AMI / AAA)
Can overlap i.e. Nausea seen in both GI / GUpathologies.
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Historical features of Abd Pain
PMH
Recent / current medications
Past hospitalizations
Past surgery
Chronic disease
Social history
Occupation / Toxic exposure (CO / lead)
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Physical Examination of the Abdomen
Note pts general appearance. Realize thatthe intensity of the abdominal pain may haveno relationship to severity of illness.
One of the initial steps of the PE should beobtaining and interpreting the vitals.
Pts with visceral pain are unable to lie still.
Pts with peritonitis like to stay immobile.
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Physical Examination of the Abdomen
INSPECT for distention, scars, masses, rash.
AUSCULATE for hyperactive, obstructive,absent, or normal bowel sounds.
PALPATION to look for guarding, rigidity,rebound tenderness, organomegally, orhernias.
Women should have pelvic exam (check FHR
if pregnant).Anyone with a rectum should have rectal
exam (If no rectum check the ostomy).
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Radiographic Test
Plain abdominal radiographs or abdominal
series has several limitations and is subject to
reader interpretation.
CT scan in conjunction with ultrasound is
superior in identifying any abnormality seen
on plain film.
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Specific Diagnoses
In patients above fifty years of age the top four
reasons for acute abdominal pain are: Biliary Tract
Disease (21%,) NSAP (16%), Appendicitis(15%), and
Bowel Obstruction (12%).
In patients under fifty years of age the top three
reasons for acute abdominal pain are: NSAP (40%,)
Appendicitis (32%,) and Other (13%.)
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Acute Appendicitis
In spite of a large number of algorithms and
decision rules incorporating many different
clinical and laboratory features, an accuratepreoperative diagnosis of appendicitis has
remain elusive for more than a century.
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Acute Appendicitis
Clinical features with some predictive value
include:
Pain located in the RLQ
Pain migration from the periumbilical area to theRLQ
Rigidity
Pain before vomiting
Positive psoas sign Note: Anorexia is not a useful symptom (33% pts
not anorectic preoperatively.)
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Acute Appendicitis
Ultrasound can be used for detection, but CTis preferred in adults and non-pregnantwomen.
The CT scan can be with and without contrast(oral & IV.)
A neg. CT does not exclude diagnosis, but apositive scan confirms it.
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Biliary Tract Disease
Most common diagnosis in ED of pts > 50.
Composed of:
Acute Cholecystitis (acalculus / calculus)
Biliary Colic Common Duct Obstruction (Ascending
Cholangitis painful jundice / fever / MS).
Of those patients found to have acutecholecystitis, the majority lack fever and 40%
lack leukocytosis.
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Biliary Tract Disease
Patients may complain of:
Diffuse pain in upper half of abdomen
Generalized tenderness throughout belly
RUQ or RLQ pain.
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Biliary Tract Disease
Sonography (US) is the initial test of choice for
patients with suspected biliary tract disease. More
sensitive than CT scan to detect CBD obstruction.
CT scan is better in the identification of cholecystitis
than in the detection of CBD obstruction.
Cholescintigraphy (radionclide / HIDA scan) of the
biliary tree is a more sensitive test than US for the
diagnosis of both of these conditions.
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Small Bowel Obstruction
SBO may result from previous abdominal surgeries.
Patient may present with intermittent, colicky pain,
abdominal distention, and abnormal BS.
Only 2 historical features (previous abd surgery andintermittent / colicky pain) and 2 physical findings
(abd distention and abn BS) appear to havepredictive value in diagnosing SBO.
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Small Bowel Obstruction
Plain abd films has a large number of
indeterminate readings and can be very
limited due to the following:
Pt is obese
Pt is bedridden / contracted (limited lateral
decub / upright view)
Technical limitations
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Small Bowel Obstruction
CT scan is better than plain film in detecting high
grade SBO.
CT scan can also give more info that might notbe seen on plain film (i.e. ischemic bowel)
Low grade SBO may require small bowel followthrough.
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Acute Pancreatitis
80% of cases are due to ETOH abuse or gallstones.
Other common causes:
Drugs ( Valproic acid, Tetracycline, Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide)
Pancreatic cancer
Abdominal trauma/surgery Ulcer with pancreatic involvement
Familial pancreatitis (Hypertriglycerides / Hypercalcemia)
Iatrogenic (ERCP) In Trinidad, the sting of the scorpion Tityus trinitatis is the most common cause of
acute pancreatitis
Definition :
Inflammation of the pancreas
Associated with edema, pancreatic autodigestion, necrosis andpossible hemorrhage
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Acute Pancreatitis
Only a minority number of pts present with pain
and tenderness limited to the anatomic area ofthe pancrease in the upper half of the abdomen.
50% of pts present with c/o pain extending well
beyond the upper abd to cause generalized
tenderness.
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Acute Pancreatitis
The inflammatory process around the
pancreas may cause other signs and
symptoms such as:
Pleural effusion Grey Turner's sign ( flank discoloration )
Cullen's sign ( discoloration around the
umbilicus )
Ascites
Jaundice
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Acute Pancreatitis
Should consider ICU admission for pts with
high Ransons Criteria.
When making the diagnosis of AcutePancreatitis, it maybe necessary to assess
the pt for the following:
1. Biliary pancreatitis
2. Peripancreatic complications
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Acute Pancreatitis
Biliary pancreatitis-Due to CBD obstruction.
-Can lead to Ascending Cholangitis
Clinical findings: May have a fever, MS, jaundice / icterus
Lab findings:AST / ALT, Total Bilirubin
Radiological std:
MRCP- Test of choice to get clear images of the pancrease and CBD.
Double contrast CT- can also be use, may have limited view of the CBD 2nd
most common test to be ordered in ED
Ultrasound 1st most common test to be order in ED to evaluate for CBD
obstruction. More sensitive than CT scan to evaluate the CBD. Its use is safer in
pregnancy.
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Acute Pancreatitis
Peripancreatic complications: Necrosis (Necrotizing Pancreatitis)
Hemorrhage (Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis)
Drainable fluid collections (Ruptured PancreaticPseudocyst)
Clinical findings: May have a distended Abd, appearseptic, Cullens sign, and / or Grey Turners Sign.
Lab findings:No definite lab test will help in thediagnosis. May see decrease Hg or Lactic Acid level.
Radiological test: of choice to evaluate for the abovecomplications is a double contrast CT scan.
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Acute Diverticulitis
Less than of pts present with LLQ pain.
1/3 of pts present with pain to the lower half of theabdomen.
20% of elderly pts with operatively confirmeddiverticulitis lacked abdominal tenderness.
Elderly pts are at risk for a severe and often fatalcomplication of diverticulitis.(Free perforation of the colon)
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Acute Diverticulitis
CT with contrast:
Test of choice for Acute Diverticulitis.
Can identify abscesses, other complications,and inform surgical management strategies.
US:
Relies on identification of an inflamed
diverticulum to make the diagnosis which isoften obscured in pts with complicateddiverticulitis.
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Renal Colic
Pts may present with abrupt, colicky, unilateral flank painthat radiates to the groin, testicle, or labia.
Hematuria and plain abd films can be helpful however do
not provide a strong support in the diagnostic evaluation ofsuspected renal colic.
Noncontrast helical CT is standard for the diagnosis. IVP
has poor sensitivity and time consuming in ED setting.
Must rule out AAA.
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Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Patient may complain of pain / tenderness in
lower abdomen, adnexal or cervix.
Most importantly patient may complain of
abnormal vaginal discharge (most commonfinding).
Fever, palpable mass, WBC have been
inconsistently associated with PID.
The best noninvasive test is transvaginal
ultrasound.
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Ectopic Pregnancy
Symptoms include abdominal pain (most
common) and vaginal bleeding (maybe the
only complaint).
Female pts (child bearing age) that present
with these symptoms automatically get a
pregnancy test and HCG quantitative level.
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Ectopic Pregnancy
If the pt is pregnant, then order a transvaginal
US to evaluate for ectopic pregnancy.
Clear view of an IUP in 2 perpendicular viewsessentially excludes an ectopic pregnancy.
If an IUP is not seen, this must be interpretedin the context of the discriminatory zone (DZ)
of the quantitative HCG.
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Ectopic Pregnancy
The DZ (1500 mlU/ml) is the threshold level ofserum HCG, above which a normal IUP should beseen on sonography.
Although there is a broad range of normal variationin HCG, failure of levels to increase by about 66%within 48 h in 1st trim pregnancy suggests anabnormal gestation (either a threatenedmiscarriage or blighted pregnancy from an
ectopic.)
If the diagnosis is not made with US and there isstill a high suspicion for ectopic than laparoscopy isindicated.
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Dissections produce chest or upper back pain thatcan migrates to abdomen as the dissection extend
distally.
AAA rather than dissect, it enlarge, leak, and
rupture.
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Palpation is an important part of physical exam.
Maybe able to detect an enlarged aorta.
Any stable pt > 50 yrs old presenting with recent
onset of abd / flank / low back pain should have a CT
scan to exclude AAA from the differential diagnosis.
Can use bedside ultrasound FAST scan, but this will
not provide information about leakage or rupture.
MRI is limited in its ability to identify fresh bleeding. It
is not an appropriate emergency procedure.
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Mesenteric Ischemia (MI)
2. Venous Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis
Occurs in hypercoagulable states.
Usually is found in younger pts.
Has a lower mortality.
Can be treated with immediate anticoagulation.
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Mesenteric Ischemia
Pt is usually older, has significant co-morbidity,and with visceral type abdominal pain poorlylocalized without tenderness.
Pt may have a diversion for food or weight loss.
Elevated Lactate level may help in the diagnosis.Abd films may have findings of perforated viscus
and / or obstruction.
May find pneumotosis intestinalis, free fluid,dilated bowel consistent with an ileus and / orobstructive pattern on CT scan.
Angiography is the diagnostic and initial
therapeutic procedure of choice.
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Ischemic Colitis
It is a diagnosis of an older patient.
Pain described as diffuse, lower abdominal pain in
80% of pts. Can be accompanied by diarrhea often mixed with
blood in 60% of patients.
Compares to mesenteric ischemia, this is not due tolarge vessel occlusive disease.
Angiography is not indicated. If it is performed it is
often normal.
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Ischemic Colitis
Can be seen post Abd Aorta surgery
The diagnosis is made by colonoscopy.
A color doppler ultrasound can also be used.
In most cases only segmental areas of the mucosa
and submucosa are affected.
Chronic cases can lead to colonic stricture. Treatment may include conservative management
or if bowel necrosis occurs surgery may be needed
for colectomy.
E bd i l Di f A
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Extrabdominal Diagnoses of Acute
Abdominal Pain: Cardiopulmonary
Pain is usually in upper half of abdomen.
A chest film should be done to look for pneumonia,
pulmonary infarction, pleura effusion, and / orpnemothorax.
A neg. film plus pleuritic pain could mean PE.
If epigastric pain is present one should inquireabout cardiac history, get and ECG, and considerfurther cardiac evaluation .
E bd i l Di f A
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Extrabdominal Diagnoses of Acute
Abdominal Pain: Abdominal Wall
Carnetts sign: The examiner finds point of
maximum abdominal tenderness on patient.
Patient asked to sit up half way, and if
palpation produces same or increasedtenderness than test is positive for an
abdominal wall syndrome.
Abd wall syndrome overlaps with hernia,neuropathic causes of acute abdominal pain
E bd i l Di f A
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Extrabdominal Diagnoses of Acute
Abdominal Pain: Hernias
Characterized by a defect through whichintraabdominal contents protrude during increases
in the intraabdominal pressure
Several types exist: inguinal, incisional,periumbilical, and femoral (common in Female).
Uncomplicated hernias can be asymptomatic,
aching / uncomfortable, and reducible on exam.
Significant pain could mean strangulation (bloodsupply is compromised) / incarceration (not
reducible).
T i f
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Toxic causes for
Acute Abdominal Pain
Pt may present with symptoms of N/V/D and/or +/- fever to
suggest a gastroenteritis or enterocolitis.
Most of these infections are confine to the mucosa of the
GI tract, therefore, pts may not present with significant
tenderness.
Other Infectious etiology that can cause abd pain includes:
Gp A Beta Hem. Strep Pharyngitis, Henoch-Schonlein
purpura, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Scarlet fever,
early toxic shock syndrome.
Oth T i f
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Other Toxic causes for
Acute Abdominal Pain
Other toxic cause includes poisoning and OD
Black Widow Spider Abd muscle spasm
Cocaine induced intestinal ischemia
Iron poisoning Lead toxicity
Mercury salts
Electrical injury
Opoid withdrawal
Mushroom toxicity
Isopropranol induced hemorrhagic gastritis
M t b li f
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Metabolic causes for
Acute Abdominal Pain
DKA
AKA (ETOH)
Note both AKA / DKA can be a cause or aconsequence of acute pancreatitis.
Adrenal crisis
Thyroid storm
Hypo / hypercalcemia
Sickle cell crisis consider these causes for painsplenomegaly / heptomegaly, splenic infarct,cholecystitis, pancreatitis, Salmonella infect, ormesenteric venous thrombosis.
N i f
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Neurogenic causes for
Acute Abdominal Pain
Hover Sign the pt show signs of
discomfort when the examining hand is
hovering just above or is passed very lightly
over the area of dysesthesia. Zosteriform Radiculopathy- follows
dermatome distribution and is characterized
by shooting or continuous burning sensation.
May be due to diabetic neuropathicinvolvement of root, plexus, or nerve.
NSAP f
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NSAP causes for
Acute Abdominal Pain
A good portion of ER patients will have
nonspecific abdominal pain.
Patients may have nausea, midepigastric
pain, or RLQ tenderness. The lab workup is usually normal.
WBC may be elevated.
Diagnosis should be confirm with repeatedexam.
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Special Considerations
In pts >50 you must consider mesenteric ischemia,
ischemic colitis, and AAA.
In an elderly patient symptoms do not manifest in
the same manner as those younger. Compared to young pts, only 20% of elderly pts
with abdominal pain will be diagnose with NSAP
Assume an elderly patient has a surgical cause of
pain unless proven otherwise.
40% of those > 65 yrs old that present to ED with
abdominal pain need surgery.
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HIV/AIDS
Enterocolitis with diarrhea and dehydration is
most common cause of abdominal pain.
CMV related large bowel perforation is
possible. Watch for obstruction due to Kaposi
Sarcoma, lymphoma, or atypical
mycobacteria.
Watch for biliary tract disease (CMV,
Cryptosporidium.)
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Treatment of Acute Abdominal Pain
Hypotension:
In younger pts probably due to volume
depletion from vomiting, diarrhea, decreased
oral intake or third spacing. Treatment would be isotonic crystalloid.
Younger patients may also have abdominal
sepsis (septic shock).
Treatment would include isotonic crystalloid,antibiotics, and vasopressors (levophed or
dopamine).
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Treatment of Acute Abdominal Pain
Hypotension:
In older patients CV disease should be added
to the differential.
If AMI is the diagnosis, a aortic balloon pump maybe needed until angioplasty or bypass is done. If
CHF is diagnosed than dobutamine with isotonic
crystalloid may be used
Must also consider hemorrhage as a cause:
Initiate treatment with isotonic crystalloid then
consider blood transfusion
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Treatment of Acute Abdominal Pain
Analgesics:
Though in past ER physicians did not treat
acute abdominal pain with analgesics for fear
of altering or obscuring the diagnosis, currentliterature favors the use of opoids judiciously
in such patients.
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Treatment of Acute Abdominal Pain
Antibiotics:
Must be consider when treating suspected
abdominal sepsis or diffuse peritonitis. Coverage should be aimed at anaerobes and
aerobic gram negatives.
If SBP suspected, must cover for gram positive
aerobes.
Examples of mononotherapy are cefoxitin,
cefotetan, ampicillin-sulbactam, or ticarcillin-
clavulanate.
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Disposition of Acute Abdominal Pain
Indications for admissions: Pts who appear ill.
Very young / Elderly
Immunocompromised
Unclear diagnosis
Intractable pain, nausea, or vomiting
Altered mental status
Those using drugs, alcohol, or that lack socialsupport.
Pts with poor follow-up and/or noncompliant.
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Disposition of Acute Abdominal Pain
Non-specific abdominal pain
If this is the working diagnosis, patients must
be re-examined in 24 hours. This may be done
in the outpatient setting.
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??? QUESTION #1 ???
A 45 year-old male patient presents with severe abdominalpain which is worse with movement. He has fever,
tachycardia, tachypnea and a narrow pulse pressure. There is
guarding, and rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Perforated appendicitis
B. Acute unperforated appendicitis
C. Perforated gallbladder
D. Ruptured diverticulumE. Acute cholecystitis
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??? QUESTION #2 ???
A 45 year-old male with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents tothe ED with an abrupt onset of severe epigastric pain 1 hourprior to arrival. Abd exam leads you to suspect an early acutesurgical abdomen. Describe the findings and treatment withthis complication of PUD. Physical examination findingssuggestive of perforation include all of the following except?
A. A reactive pleural effusion is frequent seen with gastricperforation.
B. Tympany may indicate free air, confirmed by upright chestx-ray or lateral decubitus film
C. Acute pancreatitis may result from posterior perforation.
D. Chemical peritonitis progresses to abdominal rigidity,bacterial peritonitis and sepsis.
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??? QUESTION #3 ???
Acute pancreatitis may range from mild inflammation to severehemorrhagic pancreatitis with extensive necrosis of the gland.
Serum amylase and lipase are elevated. Laboratory findings
suggesting a poor prognosis include all of the following except:
A. Elevated blood glucose
B. Elevated hematocrit (due to dehydration)
C. Elevated LDH
D. Elevated WBC
E. Elevated AST
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??? QUESTION #4 ???
Most hernias are asymptomatic, but signs and symptoms mayinclude all of the following except:
A. Chronic postprandial pain and belching.
B. Nausea and vomiting with pain, inflammation and toxicity,
progressing to perforation, peritonitis and sepsis with
strangulated hernias.
C. Abdominal or focal pain and tenderness, possibly with signs of
obstruction with incarceration. Possibly tachycardia and fever,
leukocytosis and left shift.
D. Local swelling; intermittent "dragging" sensation or minor
aching discomfort.
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??? QUESTION #5 ???
All of the following are true regarding the plain radiographicevaluation of bowel obstruction except:
A. A stepladder pattern of air-fluid levels suggests obstruction.
B. Gas in the rectum or sigmoid excludes obstruction.
C. A dilated loop may terminate abruptly at the site of
obstruction.
D. Obtain an upright chest x-ray to exclude free air in the
abdomen.
E. Obtain flat and upright abdominal films or decubitus films tolook for air fluid levels.
F. Dilated loops without stepladder air-fluid levels may be due
to ileus.
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ANSWERS
1. A -These findings are highly suggestive of bacterial peritonitisand sepsis.
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. A -With complete obstruction, distal gas will usually be
absent. Gas may still be present early in obstruction, however,
or may be introduced during the rectal examination.