Abdomen Conditions Quiz

McBurney's Point

• A point on the lower right abdomen, used to locate the appendix.
• Approximately one-third of the way between the belly button and the hip bone.

Abdomen Conditions

• Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum (abdominal lining), characterized by abdominal rigidity (hard belly) and guarding (voluntary muscle tightening).
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, causing severe pain below the ribs on the right side.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, often starting near the belly button and migrating to McBurney's point. Can be confused with cholecystitis as both can cause pain in the upper right abdomen.
• Dyspepsia: Feeling of upset stomach or indigestion (bloating, discomfort, or burping).
• Constipation: Having fewer than 3 bowel movements a week, often with difficulty.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, causing nausea and pain.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sores in the stomach or duodenum, often due to H. pylori or long-term NSAID use.
• Diverticuli: Small pouches that form in the intestinal wall (usually the colon). Usually harmless and not inflamed.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of diverticula, causing abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. Diverticulosis is when diverticuli are present but not inflamed.

Intestinal Obstructions

• Intestinal obstructions (ileus) are not surgical emergencies but are a medical emergency.
• Obstruction due to intestine strangulation is a surgical emergency.

Hepatitis

• Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections, alcohol, drugs, or immune system problems.

Cirrhosis

• Scarring of the liver, often due to chronic inflammation like heavy drinking or chronic hepatitis.

Ascites

• Fluid buildup in the abdomen; often associated with cirrhosis.

Abdominal Hernia

• Weakness in the abdominal wall, allowing part of the intestine to stick out.

Abdominal Distension

• Swelling of the abdomen due to increased pressure or size. Often related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or gas buildup.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

• A bulge in the aorta, the large blood vessel in the abdomen.
• Over time, the bulge can grow and burst, which is life-threatening.

Epigastric Pain

• Pain in the upper middle abdomen (below the ribs).
• Possible causes include heart attack, angina, GERD, IBS, and hepatitis.

Ulcerative Colitis

• A hereditary condition impacting the colon, causing inflammation, ulcers, and symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool.

Crohn's Disease

• An autoimmune disease affecting any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Can cause patchy inflammation and issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition.

Pseudo-Ulcerative Colitis

• Mimics ulcerative colitis but comes from antibiotic abuse, not an autoimmune or hereditary issue.

Color of Stool

• Melena: Black, tarry stools due to bleeding from the upper GI tract.
• Hematochezia: Bright red or maroon stools due to bleeding from the lower GI tract.

Varices

• Distended veins in the GI tract, often in the esophagus or stomach.
• Rupture can lead to severe bleeding and melena.

Hyperbilirubinemia

• The liver struggles to process bilirubin, a waste product.
• Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes) and bilirubinuria (dark urine). Bilirubinemia can be either conjugated or unconjugated.

Liver Vasculature and Portal Hypertension

• Blood from the GI tract is collected into the portal vein.
• Portal Hypertension is a high blood pressure, often due to liver disease, leading to backup and potentially esophageal varices, splenomegaly, and ascites.

Rovsing's Sign

• A test for appendicitis.
• Pressing on the lower left abdomen and observing if pain moves to the lower right abdomen suggests appendicitis.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

• A test measuring how well kidneys filter blood.
• Normal range varies between men and women.

Renal Tests (4 Key)

• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Measures kidney filtering ability.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Measures urea nitrogen in blood.
• Serum Creatinine: Waste product filtered by kidneys.
• Urinalysis: Examines urine for protein, blood, glucose, and infections.

Fibromyalgia

• Chronic condition marked by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas.
• Can present with various oral and other symptoms.

Pharmacologic Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Various medications, like antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsants, are used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Conditions (in the US)

• Data on prevalence (number of cases, in millions) and average age at onset is summarized in the table.

Osteoporosis

• The condition describes a decrease in bone mass leading to structural deterioration.

Test your knowledge on various abdomen conditions and locate McBurney's Point. This quiz covers key symptoms and differentiates between conditions such as appendicitis and cholecystitis. Perfect for medical students or anyone interested in abdominal health.