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| Topic: |
Digestive Diseases (DD) |
| Title: |
When Is Abdominal Pain a Danger Sign? How to Tell, What to Do. |
| Author: |
Sachs, C.J. |
| Source: |
Journal of Critical Illness. 15(4): 226-233. April 2000. |
| Availability: |
Available from Cliggott Publishing Company. 55 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich, CT 06831-0010. (203) 661-0600. |
| Abstract: |
When abdominal pain is a patient's chief complaint, the diagnosis is often challenging. This article offers three case studies that can help physicians determine when abdominal pain is a danger sign. The history and physical examination are of the greatest use in identifying patients whose pain may be due to a serious or life threatening condition. Vascular emergencies (abdominal aortic aneurysm, mesenteric ischemia, and myocardial infarction) can cause abdominal pain. In the elderly, appendicitis is both more dangerous and more difficult to diagnose than in younger patients. The diagnostic tests that are most helpful in confirming or ruling out serious causes of abdominal pain include helical CT and focused bedside ultrasonography. The author cautions that reliance on laboratory tests and plain radiographs can be misleading. For women of childbearing age with abdominal pain, do not overlook the urine pregnancy test. A few serious abdominal abnormalities can be excluded only by invasive means: for example, ovarian torsion (by laparoscopy) and mesenteric ischemia (by angiography). 3 figures. 1 table. 29 references. |
| Format: |
Journal Article |
| Language: |
English. |
| Major Keywords: |
Digestive System Diseases. Abdominal Pain. Etiology. Diagnosis. |
| Minor Keywords: |
Case Reports. Diagnostic Tests. Cardiovascular Diseases. Appendicitis. Age Factors. Patient Care Management. Emergencies. |
| Publication Number: |
DDJA07761 |
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