Abdominal pain — pathophysiology, classification and causes

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Image: “Portsmouth, Va. (Dec. 18, 2006) – Chief Hospital Corpsman Tracy Adjip performs a sonogram on a patient while trying to diagnose the source of abdominal pain during sick call aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently conducting a simulated five-day fast cruise while nearing the end of a Docked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Va.” by U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher Wilson (RELEASED). License: Public Domain

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Background and Pathophysiology of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal cavity (also known as a peritoneal cavity) is bounded anterolaterally by the xiphoid process and coastal margins, posteriorly by the vertebral column, superiorly by the diaphragm, and inferiorly by the upper parts of the pelvic bones. It contains multiple visceral organs and is covered by parietal and visceral layers of the peritoneum.

Abdominal pain occurs when mechanical or chemical stimuli trigger the pain receptors in the abdomen. Stretch is the primary mechanical stimulus. Other mechanical stimuli, such as expansion, contraction, compression, pulling, and twisting of the viscera, also induce pain.

Types of Abdominal Pain

Visceral pain

Visceral pain is considered a vague and dull pain because the majority of organs and the visceral peritoneum do not carry an abundance of nerve fibers for the pain.

The patient may experience mild pain that is poorly localized, with the exact location difficult to pinpoint.

Parietal pain

Parietal pain, or somatic pain, occurs when there is an irritation of the parietal peritoneum that lines the abdominal cavity. Somatic pain is sharp, constant, severe, and is easily localized.

Referred pain

Referred pain is perceived distant from its source. It is poorly localized but normally constant in nature. It occurs when organs share a common nerve pathway.

For example, the pain due to phrenic nerve irritation is referred to the ipsilateral shoulder. Phrenic nerve has the same nerve value (C3 – C5) as the cutaneous nerves supplying the shoulder. Therefore, when afferent nerves transmit the information to the brain, the brain misinterprets and localizes the pain to the shoulder when, in fact, the problem lies within the phrenic nerve and not the shoulder.

Other common examples of referred pain in the human body are:

• Referred pain of ureteric stone into the groin
• Acute myocardial infarction pain referred to the left arm and jaw

Methodological Assessment of Abdominal Pain

Since the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain varies widely ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions, a step-wise approach is required to identify the exact cause and its severity.

Patient history

A comprehensive patient history is indispensable for an accurate diagnosis. The location of abdominal pain narrows down the differential diagnosis. Other general information should be obtained regarding:

• Time/mode of onset
• Duration of pain
• Severity and quality of pain
• Aggravating and remitting factors
• Past medical and surgical history
• Menstrual history

Physical examination

After history, physical examination is an important component of the evaluation of a patient with abdominal pain.

Inspection

A careful abdominal inspection of the shape, visible masses, scars, and abdominal movement with respiration provides key clues to the diagnosis.

For example, generalized distensions suggest possible intestinal obstruction, while specific distention in the upper quadrant may indicate a possible acute gastric dilatation or pancreatic cyst.

Palpation

During abdominal palpation, one should look for abdominal guarding, tenderness, and epigastric pulsations. The palpation of masses and internal organs facilitates accurate diagnosis.

Rectal examination should be done for the presence of occult or frank blood, pain, or mass (fecal impaction, tumor, prostate, or pelvic abscess).

Pelvic examination is indicated for most women if the pain is in the lower abdomen. It may enable the diagnosis or exclusion of ovarian torsion, an ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease. 

Percussion

Percussion helps in the detection of ascites, large cysts, and abdominal masses.

Auscultation

Hyperactive bowel sounds are present initially in mechanical intestinal obstruction. An abdominal aortic and renal bruit may also be heard.

Investigations

Laboratory investigations

Laboratory tests are often non-specific and are used to support clinical findings.

Patients with abdominal pain mandatory tests such as:

1. Complete peripheral blood count
2. Analysis of serum electrolytes, creatinine, blood glucose, and urinalysis
3. A urine pregnancy test for all women in the child-bearing age
4. Liver function tests and serum amylase levels in cases involving right upper quadrant abdominal pain

Imaging investigations

Plain abdominal X-ray

An initial, easy, and inexpensive test to look for:

• Air under diaphragm for perforated viscus
• Air-fluid level on erect abdominal X-ray for intestinal obstruction
• Radio-opaque opacities for renal and gallbladder stones

Abdominal ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of diseases of the hepatobiliary system, the urinary tract, as well as acute appendicitis. Pelvic ultrasound in women aids the diagnosis of suspected ectopic pregnancy and ovarian cysts/masses.

Abdominal computed tomography (CT)

Abdominal CT provides better visualization of the abdominal viscera. It is also an investigation of choice in hemodynamically stable patients presenting with an acute abdomen in an emergency setting.

Causes of Abdominal Pain According to Regions

Causes of upper abdominal pain

Upper abdominal pain can be classified into pain involving the right upper quadrant, epigastrium, and the left upper quadrant.

Causes of lower abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain can be classified into pain involving the right lower quadrant, hypogastrium, and the left lower quadrant.

Causes of diffuse abdominal pain

Diffuse abdominal pain occurs in:

• Acute peritonitis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract
• Mesenteric ischemia
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Viral gastroenteritis
• Malignancy (colorectal, gastric and pancreatic)
• Celiac disease

Causes of lower abdominal pain or pelvic pain, specifically in women 

In women, the causes of lower abdominal pain may include: