Abdominal Pain in Elderly Persons Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Jul 17, 2018
  • Author: E David Bryan, MD; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Important considerations

In elderly patients with abdominal pain, do not rely on descriptions of the "classic presentation" for diseases in the diagnosis of acute abdomen, and do not rely on the presence of fever or leukocytosis as a sign of infection.

Ensure the patient to be admitted is admitted to the appropriate service.

Diagnosing gastroenteritis or constipation

Perform a rectal examination in patients with abdominal pain (not performing a rectal examination may be associated with increased rate of misdiagnosis)

Other conditions to be considered

Other conditions to consider in elderly patients with abdominal pain include the following:

Differential Diagnoses