A 45-year-old woman presents to the emergency department for evaluation of a 12 hour episode of intermittent, debilitating, postprandial right upper quadrant pain associated with nausea and occasional vomiting. The pain can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours, often radiates to the upper back between the shoulder blades, and is not associated with bowel movements or exercise. The patient is also quite jaundiced; however, she denies any fever, weight loss or night sweats. Additionally, she states she has been using antacids and H2-blockers but they have been ineffective. She denies significant alcohol use. What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
  1. Appendicitis
  2. Diverticulitis
  3. Pancreatitis
  4. Cholecystitis
Explanation
Answer: D - In a situation when the patient exhibits episode of intermittent, debilitating, postprandial right upper quadrant pain associated with nausea and occasional vomiting along with pain radiating to the upper back between the shoulder blades, the patient is likely to diagnose for Cholecystitis. The most common presenting symptom of acute Cholecystitis is upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the tip of the right scapula.
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