Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Published on: June 22, 2009
The diagnosis of abdominal pain in ambulatory male patients
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to identify clinical characteristics that could predict the diagnosis in ambulatory patients with abdominal pain. We studied 552 unselected ambulatory male patients whose average age was 47 years and whose median duration of pain was 3 weeks. Potentially serious disease occurred in 21% of the patients. Single abnormal findings had a low predictive value for serious disease. However, by using combinations of clinical findings, we could construct and test a decision rule to identify a group of patients who had a low prevalence of serious disease. This "low risk" group contained 36% of all patients with abdominal pain. Laboratory tests were almost always normal in these patients. Our findings suggest a diagnostic strategy for evaluating abdominal pain: When the initial examination shows that there is little chance of serious disease, laboratory tests should be deferred or omitted altogether. In patients who have a very low likelihood of potentially serious disease, it may be useful to regard "nonspecific abdominal pain" as a positive diagnosis, rather than a diagnosis of exclusion.
Related Concept Videos
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...

