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Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
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Approach to Patients with Epigastric Pain
Patrick Robinson1, John C Perkins2
1Virginia Tech Carilion Emergency Medicine Residency, Department of Emergency Medicine, 1 Riverside Circle, 4th Floor, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|May 3, 2016
Summary
Epigastric pain evaluation requires considering cardiac and intra-abdominal issues. This guide reviews advanced imaging and diagnostic limitations for conditions like acute pancreatitis and esophageal emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Epigastric pain is a frequent emergency department presentation.
- Differential diagnosis is broad, including cardiac and gastrointestinal causes.
- Distinguishing serious conditions from benign ones is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To guide emergency providers in evaluating epigastric pain.
- To highlight limitations of laboratory testing.
- To outline appropriate advanced imaging considerations.
Main Methods:
- Review of common and serious causes of epigastric pain.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges and imaging modalities.
- Focus on specific conditions: acute pancreatitis, esophageal emergencies, peptic ulcer disease/gastritis.
Main Results:
- Laboratory tests have limitations in diagnosing epigastric pain causes.
- Advanced imaging is crucial for identifying serious intra-abdominal pathology.
- Cardiac causes must be differentiated from gastrointestinal presentations.
Conclusions:
- A systematic approach is necessary for epigastric pain management.
- Appropriate use of advanced imaging improves diagnostic accuracy.
- Timely identification of emergent conditions is paramount.
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