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[Low back pain and abdominal aortic aneurysm: Red flags].
R A García-Macero1, J C Balbuena Domínguez1, E Fernández-Castañón Martínez1
1Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Área Sanitaria de Vigo. Vigo, Pontevedra, España.
Rehabilitacion
|September 10, 2021
Summary
Low back pain is common, and sometimes a sign of serious conditions like abdominal aortic aneurysm. Recognizing "red flag" symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and preventing life-threatening outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical diagnostics
- Clinical case study
- Pain management
Background:
- Low back pain affects approximately 70% of adults, often with non-specific causes.
- Clinical guidelines recommend identifying serious underlying conditions using "red flags."
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm frequently presents with low back pain (91% of cases).
Observation:
- A 75-year-old male presented with persistent low back pain unresponsive to conservative treatment.
- Symptoms persisted for 3 months, prompting referral to a rehabilitation consultation.
- Warning signs prompted imaging studies.
Findings:
- Imaging revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- A mass was identified in the right kidney.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering serious pathologies in persistent low back pain.
Implications:
- Early recognition of red flags in low back pain patients is critical.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm should be a key differential diagnosis for persistent low back pain.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent life-threatening complications.
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