Clin Ultrasound.  2019 Nov;4(2):27-43. 10.18525/cu.2019.4.2.27.

Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Lower Abdominal Pain

• Kim DH

• KMID: 2555108
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18525/cu.2019.4.2.27

Abstract

Lower abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms prompting patients to visit hospitals. It can be caused mainly by gastrointestinal diseases such as appendicitis, an appendiceal tumor, diverticulitis, enterocolitis, epiploic appendagitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and colon cancer. In case of lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age, gynecological causes must always be considered. Distal ureteral stones must be ruled out in patients with lower abdominal pain and hematuria. Rectus sheath hematomas should be considered in patients with trauma, anticoagulants, or recent strenuous exercise. Correct and prompt diagnosis, primarily by imaging techniques such as abdominal ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is essential for the appropriate management of patients. As compared with CT or MRI, abdominal US is easily performed at the bedside, minimally invasive, and emits no ionizing radiation. Nonetheless, diagnostic sensitivity for lower abdominal disease, including appendicitis, is lower than with CT or MRI, so a complementary study may be performed if the diagnosis remains unclear.

Keyword

초음파; 충수염; 복통; Ultrasonography; Appendicitis; Abdominal pain