Gynae And Vascualr Causes Of Abdo Pain

Question 1

Typical location of pain for ectopic pregnancy

Answer 1

Right or left iliac fossa

Question 2

Typical location of pain for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

Answer 2

Central abdominal pain radiating to back

Question 3

Typical location of pain from mesenteric ischaemia

Answer 3

Central abdominal pain

Question 4

Typically presents with pain and a history of amenorrhoea for the past 6-9 weeks. Vaginal bleeding may be present

Answer 4

Ectopic pregnancy

Question 5

Presentation may be catastrophic (e.g. Sudden collapse) or sub-acute (persistent severe central abdominal pain with developing shock)

Patients may be shocked (hypotension, tachycardic)

Patients may have a history of cardiovascular disease

Answer 5

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

Question 6

Patients often have a history of atrial fibrillation or other cardiovascular disease

Diarrhoea, rectal bleeding may be seen

A metabolic acidosis is often seen (due to ‘dying’ tissue)

Answer 6

Mesenteric ischaemia