Abstract
Introduction: Abdominal pain is a common presentation in general practice and a systematic approach is required to exclude serious pathology and achieve an accurate diagnosis.
Case overview: We present a case of a 76-year-old male who complained of left lower quadrant abdominal pain to illustrate a systematic approach to managing diagnostic uncertainty. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis (EA).
Discussion overview: Epiploic appendagitis can mimic other acute abdominal conditions including diverticulitis, omental infarction, and appendicitis. The recognition and early diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis helps to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment.
Learning points
- Abdominal pain is a common presentation in general practice and a systematic approach is important to exclude serious pathology and achieve an accurate diagnosis.
- Murtagh’s diagnostic framework and safety netting are effective strategies in managing diagnostic uncertainties.
- Epiploic appendagitis is a benign condition and an early diagnosis can prevent unnecessary investigations and treatment.