Utilizing CT scan for Differential Diagnosis of Acute Abdominal Pain: A Retrospective Descriptive Study in King Khalid Hospital, Najran Province

Abstract

The purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the demographic characteristics, symptoms, indications, and CT scan findings of patients with acute abdominal pain. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive design and collected data from 50 patients. Information on demographic characteristics, symptoms, indications, abdominal quadrant pain, affected systems, CT scan protocols, contrast media use, primary CT scan diagnoses, and secondary CT scan diagnoses were recorded and analyzed. Result: The research examined a majority of male participants (66%) who were Saudi nationals (78%). In terms of age distribution, 34% of the participants were 30 years old or younger, 52% were between 30 and 60 years old, and 14% were 61 years old or older. The most commonly reported symptoms were stomachache and vomiting (40%), followed by distention (18%). Other symptoms included fatigue (14%), blood in urine (10%), fever (8%), diarrhea (6%), and constipation (4%). The most prevalent indication was upper abdominal pain (34%), followed by lower abdominal pain (24%). Additionally, cases of trauma due to road traffic accidents (14%), renal colic (12%), and trauma due to abdominal injury (8%) were reported. The left upper quadrant (LUQ) was the most frequently reported site of abdominal quadrant pain (40%), followed by the right lower quadrant (RLQ) (26%). The digestive system was the most commonly affected system (56%), followed by the urinary tract system (20%). The majority of CT scans focused on the abdomen and pelvis (86%), with only 14% solely focusing on the abdomen. 72% of the scans were performed without contrast media, while 28% involved its administration. Among the analyzed cases, 32% had normal CT scan results, while 68% were diagnosed with an abnormality. The most common secondary diagnoses from CT scans were digestive system problems (35%) and renal problems (20%). Less common secondary diagnoses included portal vein thrombosis (3%), lymphatic diseases (9%), liver diseases (12%), hernia (15%), bilobarpneumobilia (3%), and enlarged prostate (3%). Conclusion: this study provides valuable information on the demographic characteristics, symptoms, indications, and CT scan findings of patients with acute abdominal pain. This information can contribute to a better understanding of the condition and aid in its diagnosis and management.