THE ROLE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSING NON-TRAUMATIC ACUTE RIGHT LOWER QUADRANT ABDOMINAL PAIN AT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, HO CHI MINH CITY

Hải Thanh Anh Đỗ, Thị Thanh Thiên Nguyễn, Thị Yến Nhi Nguyễn, Thị Phương Thảo Trương

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Abstract

Background: Acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain represents a common concern with a broad differential diagnosis, ranging from self-limiting conditions to life-threatening surgical emergencies. Physical examination, clinical presentation and laboratory examination are often difficult and may lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary surgery, or delayed intervention. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role due to its high sensitivity and specificity, allowing comprehensive evaluation of abdominal organs. Objective: To identify common causes and assess the diagnostic value of CT in acute non-traumatic right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of all patients aged ≥18 years admitted to the Emergency Department, University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, from January to June 2022 for acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain not due to trauma and who underwent CT scanning. Patients with a history of trauma within the previous 30 days were excluded. Results: Acute appendicitis, ileocecal-colon inflammation, and right ureteral stones were the most common causes of non-traumatic right lower quadrant pain. CT showed very high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing these conditions. Conclusions: CT is a reliable imaging tool that supports timely and accurate management.

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References

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