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Introduction Complaints related to abdominal pain comprise
between 7- 9 % of all visits to the ED.
Of those, the most common discharge diagnosis is Abdominal Pain NOS.
Although most abdominal pain is non-emergent and self-limited in nature, attention must be paid to not miss medical and/or surgical emergencies.
Important Factors
Patients rarely present with the classical signs/symptoms of acute abdominal pain.
Three important factors to consider are age, gender, and co-morbidities.
Definition
The term acute abdomen refers to a sudden, severe abdominal pain that is less than 24 hours in duration. It is in many cases a medical emergency, requiring urgent and specific diagnosis. Several causes need surgical treatment.
Don’t forget about the chronic pain that has acutely worsened.
Basic Principles Proper evaluation and management requires one to recognize:
1. Does this patient need surgery?2. Is it emergent, urgent, or can wait?
• In other words, is the patient unstable or stable?
Remember medical causes of abd pain
> 100 causes exist1. NSAP (34%)2. Acute appendicitis (28%)3. Acute chlecystitis (10%) 4. SBO (4%)5. Perforated PU (3%)6. Pancreatitis (3%)7. Diverticular disease (2%) 8. Others (13%)
50-65% inaccurate initial diagnosis 50% of surgical admissions are emergencies, and of
those 50% present with acute abdomen.
In children
Acute appendicitis
UTI
Mesenteric adenitis
GE
Constipation
Types of Pain
Visceral Pain: caused by stretching of fibers innervating the walls of hollow organs or capsules of solid organs, described as cramp or dull pain
Parietal Pain: caused by irritation of fibers that innervate the parietal peritoneum, pain is more sharp and localized
Referred Pain: pain at a location distant to the diseased organ based on embryological origin
Visceral pain
I. Parietal pain Is localised to the dermatome above
the site of the stimulus. Character:I. sharp and localized pain.II. somatic nerve distribution (T7-L2,
umbilicus at T12). The exception to this is the diaphragmatic portion, which is supplied centrally by the phrenic nerve (C3-C5), and peripherally by the lower six intercostal and subcostal nerves.
III.sensitive to mechanical stimuli (stretching, pinprick , pinch), heat, electrical shock, chemical stimulus, infection-inflammation.
II. Referred pain It’s pain perceived distant from its
source and results from convergence of nerve fibers at the spinal cord.
produces symptoms, not signs e.g. tenderness
Causes of Acute Abdomen
I. Surgical
II. Gynecological
III. Medical
Think Broad categories for DDx surgical Causes
o Inflammationo Obstructiono Ischemiao Perforation (any of above can end here)
Offended organ becomes distendedLymphatic/venous obstruction due to ↑ pressureArterial pressure exceeded → ischemiaProlonged ischemia → perforation
Inflammation versus ObstructionOrgan Lesion
Stomach Gastric UlcerDuodenal Ulcer
Biliary Tract
Acute cholecystitisAcute cholangitis
Pancreas Acute, recurrent, or chronic pancreatitis
Small Intestine
Crohn’s diseaseMeckel’s diverticulum
Large Intestine
AppendicitisDiverticulitis
Location Lesion
Small Bowel Obstruction
AdhesionsHernia CancerCrohn’s diseaseGallstone ileusIntussusceptionVolvulus
Large BowelObstruction
MalignancyVolvulus: cecal or sigmoidDiverticulitis
Biliary colic
Ureteric colic
Acute retention
Ischemia versus Perforation
Acute mesenteric ischemia
Usually acute occlusion of the SMA from thrombus or embolism
Chronic mesenteric ischemia
Typically smoker, vasculopathy with severe atherosclerotic vessel disease
Ischemic colitis
Torsion of a viscus
Perforated PU
Perforated diverticular disease
Perforated appendix
Acute chlolecystitis with Perforation
Ruptured AAA
Perforated bladder
GYN Causes
Organ Lesion
Ovary Torsion of ovaryRuptured graafian follicleTubo-ovarian abscess (TOA)
Fallopian tube Ectopic pregnancyAcute salpingitisPyosalpinx
Uterus Uterine ruptureEndometritis
Non-Surgical (Medical) Causes
System Disease System DiseaseCardiac Myocardial infarx
Acute pericarditisEndocrine Diab ketoacidosis
Addisonian crisis
Pulmonary PneumoniaPulmonary infarxPE
Metabolic Acute porphyriaMediterranean feverHyperlipidemia
GI Acute pancreatitisGastroenteritisAcute hepatitis
Musculo- skeletal
Rectus muscle hematoma
GU Pyelonephritis CNSPNS
Tabes dorsalis (syph)Nerve root compression
Vascular Aortic dissection Hematological Sickle cell crisis
Generalized AP
PerforationMesenteric ischemia AAAAcute pancreatitis
Central APEarly appendicitisSBOAcute pancreatitisRuptured AAAMesenteric thrombosisAcute gastritis
Epigastric painDU / GU Recurrent, relationship to meals,relationship to posture
OesophagitisAcute pancreatitis History of alcohol consumption,
history of similar event, elevated labs
AAA
RUQ painAcute cholecystitisRecurrent attacks, tender over gall bladder area
DUAcute pancreatitis Retrocecal appendicitisShift of pain, tenderness
R L PneumoniaFever, tachypnea, bronchial breathing
Subphrenic abscess
LUQ pain
PneumoniaAcute pancreatitisSplenic ruptureSplenic abscessAcute perinephritisSubphrenic abscess
RIF pain Acute appendicitisShift of pain, anorexia, localized tenderness
Mesenteric adenitis (young)Fever, inconstant signs
Perf DU Diverticulitis Salpingitis Ureteric colic Colicky pain, hematuria
Meckel’s diverticulum Ectopic pregnancy Crohn’s disease Biliary colic (low-lying GB)
LIF painDiverticulitisConstipation IBSPIDRectal CaUCEctopic pregnancy
Suprapubic painAcute urinary retentionPalpable bladder, difficulty passing urine
UTICystitis PIDEctopic pregnancy Diverticulitis
Loin painMuscle strainUTIsRenal stonesPyelonephritis
Approach to Acute Abdomen
Take a proper Hx and Ex, do not work to the diagnosis given to you by the referring doctor.
History is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of the diagnostic process:Location , onset, nature , severity, radiation, aggravating or
relieving factors, associated symptoms
A good medical historyA good social history, including alcohol, drugs, domestic
abuse, stressors, etc.Family history is important (IBD, cancers, etc)MEDICATION INVENTORY
What does nature of pain?Steady pain inflammatory processColicky pain Biliary colic ,obstructionStabbing AAA
Was onset of pain gradual or sudden?Sudden perforation, hemorrhage, infarctGradual inflammation, peritoneal irrigation, hollow organ distension
Does pain radiate anywhere? Right shoulder, angle of right scapula GB Around flank to groin kidney, ureter
In Females ?Last menstrual period? Abnormal bleeding?
CLUES in Hx.
Progression of Pain
Associated symptoms
• Fever
• Genitourinary
• Gynaecological
• Vascular
PMSH
• Previous episodes of AP
• Investigations
• Operations
• Chronic disease
• Medications (NSAIDs)
Physical examination
Administration of analgesics prior to surgical consultation does not obscure the diagnosis, but improves accuracy.
ObservationBending Forward: Chronic PancreatitisJaundiced: CBD obstructionDehydrated: Peritonitis, SBO
Inspection Not move with respiration in peritonitis Scaphoid or flat in peptic ulcer Distended in ascites or intestinal obstruction Visible peristalsis in a thin or obstruction Scars : relevant previous illness or adhesions Hernia : intestinal obstraction
Palpation Check for Hernia sitesTendernessRebound tenderness.Guarding.Rigidity.
Rebound tenderness, considered the clinical indicator of peritonitis, has a high (25%) false -ve rate
Rigidity, referred tenderness & cough pain are sufficient evidence for peritonitis
Local Right Iliac Fossa tenderness:Acute appendicitisAcute Salpingitis in females
Low grade, poorly localized tenderness: Intestinal Obstruction
Tenderness out of proportion to examination:Mesenteric IschemiaAcute Pancreatitis
Flank Tenderness:Perinephric AbscessRetrocaecal Appendicitis
Important Signs in Patients with Abdominal Pain
Sign Finding Association
Cullen's sign Bluish periumbilical discoloration Retroperitoneal haemorrhage
Kehr's sign referd left shoulder pain Splenic ruptureEctopic pregnancy
rupture
McBurney's sign Tenderness located 2/3 distance fromanterior iliac spine to umbilicus on right side
Appendicitis
Murphy's sign Abrupt interruption of inspiration on palpationof right upper quadrant
Acute cholecystitis
Iliopsoas sign Hyperextension of right hip causing abdominal pain Appendicitis
Obturator's sign Internal rotation of flexed right hip causingabdominal pain
Appendicitis
Grey-Turner's Discoloration of the flank Retroperitoneal hemorrhage
Chandelier sign Manipulation of cervix causes patient to liftbuttocks off table
PID
Rovsing's sign Right lower quadrant pain with palpation of the left lower quadrant
Appendicitis
Percussion Resonance : intestinal obstructionLoss of liver dullness: gastrointestinal perforationDullness : free fluid , full bladderShifting dullness : free fluid
Auscultation NR Bowel sounds 5-30/min > 2min to confirm absent High pitched, hyperactive or tinkling
caused by powerful peristaltic action , partial obstruction , abdominal cramping
Hypoactive bowel sounds indicates Peritonitis , non-mechanical obstruction , Inflammation , gangrene
Bruit in epigastrium indicates AAA
Systemic Examination
PR Examination: Tenderness Induration Mass Frank blood
Systemic Examination
PV Examination Bleeding Discharge Cervical motion tenderness Adnexal masses or tenderness Uterine Size or Contour
Investigations Beware of misleading by investigationsA.Blood testsCBC (Hb & WBC) & U&EAmylase (Pancreatitis) but remember 20% have NR values
LFTs CRP & ESR (inflammatory markers)
ABG Serum calcium (Abnormal GI motility PU, Pancreatitis)
Clotting (acute pancreatitis, sepsis, DIC, liver disease)
Blood glucose ECG
Attention to the WBC as a screening test only if substantially elevated. 25% of patients with elevated WBC do not have
different outcomes from those with a normal WBC. CBC has a limited clinical utility
In RLQ pain to rule in or rule out Acute Appendicitis wbc count (n>70%) < 8,000 very unlikely 8,000-10,000 unlikely10,000-12000 equivocal12,000-15,000 suggestive15,000-20,000 highly suggestive>20,000 probably ruptured
B. UrinalysisCheapSimple & available testHigh yield when results fit with the clinical scenario Pregnancy test
C. RadiologyErect CXRSupine AXRUSS Biliary trees , Mass , fluid , Retroperitoneal organs Ultrasound in Acute Appendicitis +!?
IVU (renal/ureteric colic)CT scan Similar benefit as in U/S but more time consumed , more accurate more expensive more risk
Causes of free sub-diaphragmatic gas
Perforation of viscus
Gas-forming infection
Pleuroperitoneal fisula
Iatrogenic
Interposition of bowel b/t liver & diaphragm
Plain X-rays have limited utility in the evaluation of AAP Low diagnostic yieldHigh incidence of misleading incidental
findingsLack of impact on management Exception: Bowel obstruction or perforation
Labs & Imaging
Test ReasonCBC w diff Left shift can be
very telling
ABG N/V, acidosis, dehydration
Amylase Pancreatitis, perf DU, bowel ischemia
LFT Jaundice,hepatitis
UA GU- UTI, stone, hematuria
Beta-hCG Ectopic
Test Reason
KUBFlat & Upright
SBO/LBO, free air, stones
Ultrasound Chol’y, jaundiceGYN pathology
CT scanDiagnostic accuracy
Anatomic dxCase not straight forward
Findings in plain X-ray abdomen in case of Biliary disease : 1. radioopaque shadow for stone
2. pneumobilia
3. calcification of porcelain gallbladder
In case of pancreatic disease :1. calcification in chronic pancreatitis
2. sentinel loop : dilatation of a segment of large or small intestine, indicative of localised ileus from nearby inflammation.
In case of appendicitis:1. Fecalith: a hard stony mass of feces
2. Phlebolith : is a small local, usually rounded, calcification within a vein
3. Abscent of psoas muscle shadow
calcification of porcelain gallbladder
Pneumoperitoneum
Findings in plain X-ray abdomen
Intestinal obstruction
SBO
Erect (air fluid level)
Step ladderCentralSmall
multiple
Supine(dilatation of bowel)
>3cmplicae circulares
LBO
Erect(air fluid level)
PeripheralLargeFew
Supine(dilatation of bowel)
> 5cm in sigmoid> 10 cm in cecum
Peripheral haustration
ultrasound.
Hepatobiliray tree(stones,mass,thickining of the wall)
*pancreases
*kidney
*pelvic organ
*intrabdominal fluid collection
Gall stone\ appendicolith
CT scan.
Helpful in case of abdominal pain without clear etiology better in evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
5.helical CT_scan
Provide rapid cost effective diagnostic tool.
CT scan
What is the diagnosis? Acute appendicitis
Acute pancreatitis
D. Laparoscopy
Early diagnostic laparoscopy may result in:accurate, prompt, efficient management of AAP
Reduces the rate of unnecessary laparotomy Increases the diagnostic accuracyMay be a key to solving the diagnostic dilemma of
NSAP.
Immediate Treatment of the Acute Abdomen
I. Start large bore IV with either saline or lactated Ringer’s solution
II. IV pain medicationIII. Nasogastric tube if vomiting or concerned about obstruction.IV. Foley catheter to follow hydration status and to obtain
urinalysis.V. Antibiotic administration if suspicious of inflammation or
perforation.VI. Definitive therapy or procedure will vary with diagnosis.VII. Reassess patient on a regular basis.
Decision to operate• Proper management requires a timely decision about
the need for surgical operation.Peritonitis
Tenderness w/ rebound, involuntary guardingSevere / unrelenting pain “Unstable” (hemodynamically, or septic)
Tachycardic, hypotensive, white count Intestinal ischemia, including strangulationPneumoperitoneumComplete or “high grade” obstruction
Take Home Massage Careful history (pain, other GI symptoms) Remember DDx in broad categories Narrow DDx based on hx, exam, labs, imaging Always perform ABC, Resuscitate before Dx If patient’s sick or “toxic”, get to OR (surgical
emergency) Ideally, resuscitate patients before going to the OR Don’t forget GYN/medical causes, special situations For acute abdomen, think of these commonly (below)
Perf DU Appendicitis +/- perforation
Diverticulitis +/- perforation
Bowel obstruction
Cholecystitis Ischemic or perf bowel
Ruptured aneurysm
Acute pancreatitis
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