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Related Concept Videos

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants01:19

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
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Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
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Cholecystitis01:20

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Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation01:23

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:28

Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

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Updated: May 14, 2026

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein
03:33

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein

Published on: September 27, 2024

Left upper quadrant abdominal pain.

Sean Patrick Nordt1, Christopher Bowns, Julieta Moran

  • 1University of Southern California, Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles, California.

The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A mobile cecum can cause acute appendicitis, leading to unusual left upper quadrant abdominal pain. This case highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations for accurate diagnosis.

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Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein
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Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
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Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Reports

Background:

  • Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
  • Typical presentation involves right lower quadrant pain.
  • A mobile cecum is an anatomical variation where the cecum is not fixed to the retroperitoneum.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of acute appendicitis originating from a mobile cecum.
  • To describe the atypical clinical presentation of left upper quadrant abdominal pain in this context.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic challenges posed by unusual presentations of appendicitis.

Main Methods:

  • Case report detailing clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and surgical findings.
  • Review of relevant medical literature on mobile cecum and appendicitis.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain, mimicking other upper abdominal pathologies.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed signs suggestive of appendicitis.
  • Laparoscopic exploration confirmed acute appendicitis originating from a mobile cecum.

Conclusions:

  • Mobile cecum is a potential cause of atypical appendicitis presentations.
  • Left upper quadrant pain can be an unusual manifestation of acute appendicitis.
  • High index of suspicion and thorough investigation are crucial for diagnosing appendicitis with atypical symptoms.