[Abdominal pain precipitated by thoracic segment syndrome]

Referred pain originating from a dysfunctioning thoracic facet joint may simulate abdominal pain. This pain syndrome, the facet syndrome, is probably quite common and perhaps accounts for about 10% of the cases of abdominal pain of unknown origin. Current concepts of the facet syndrome are reviewed and a clinically diagnostic evaluation programme is presented. A case report illustrates the diagnostic problems in daily practice and the need for the clinician to recognize and to look for the facet syndrome.