[Spontaneous expulsion of a mesenchymal colonic tumor via the rectum]. / Spontanabgang eines mesenchymalen Kolontumors per vias naturales.

A 61-year-old male patient underwent a colonoscopy for cramp-like upper abdominal pain of 3 weeks duration. An endoscopically irresectable ulcerated mass was seen in the transverse colon. The patient spontaneously excreted in the feces a tumor node measuring 4.1â€¯× 3.5â€¯× 2.8 cm with the histological features of a submucosal lipoma 4 days after the colonoscopy. A benign lipoma confined to the submucosa was operatively confirmed. It is extremely rare for a tumor node to be shed in feces. If the benign nature of the entire lesion is doubtful, standard oncological procedures are advocated.

Acute Phlegmonous Gastritis Complicated by Subphrenic Abscess.

BACKGROUND: Phlegmonous gastritis (PG) is a rare and potentially fatal disease characterized by bacterial infection of the gastric wall. However, its clinical features are nonspecific, which may delay its diagnosis and treatment. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a previously healthy 53-year-old woman with localized PG complicated by subphrenic abscess formation who was treated successfully with antibiotics and percutaneous catheter drainage. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Early diagnosis and treatment initiation are important to improving outcomes. Emergency physicians should consider PG a differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.

[Upper abdominal pain: a frequent and multifaceted leading symptom in primary care internal medicine]. / Oberbauchschmerz ­ ein häufiges und facettenreiches Leitsymptom in der internistisch-hausärztlichen Praxis.

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms are among the most common reasons for medical consultation and represent a challenge for general practitioners in the outpatient care setting. History taking, symptom evaluation and physical examination are the crucial steps toward establishing an initial working diagnosis. The subsequent abdominal ultrasound and laboratory analyses are essential tools for the differential diagnosis.

Cardiac Incidental Findings on Abdominopelvic Computed Tomography: Prevalence and Association with Subsequent Cardiovascular Events.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of reportable cardiac findings detected on abdominopelvic CTs and the association with subsequent cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective search of electronic medical record of patients who underwent abdominopelvic CT between November 2006 and November 2011 with a clinical history of upper abdominal pain. A radiologist blinded to the original CT report reviewed all 222 cases for the presence of pertinent reportable cardiac findings. The original CT report was also evaluated for documentation of pertinent reportable cardiac findings. The following findings were recorded on all CTs: presence of coronary calcification, fatty metaplasia, ventricle wall thinning and thickening, valve calcification or prosthesis, heart/chamber enlargement, aneurysm, mass, thrombus, device, air within ventricles, abnormal pericardium, prior sternotomy, and adhesions if prior sternotomy. Medical records were reviewed to identify cardiovascular events on follow-up in patients with the presence or absence of cardiac findings. We compared the distribution findings in patients with and without cardiac events using the Wilcoxon test (for continuous variables) and the Pearson's chi-squared test (for categorical variables). RESULTS: Eighty-five of 222 (38.3%) patients (52.7% females, median age 52.5 years) had at least one pertinent reportable cardiac finding on the abdominopelvic CT, with a total of 140 findings in this group. From the total 140 findings, 100 (71.4%) were not reported. The most common findings seen on abdominal CTs were: coronary artery calcification (66 patients), heart or chamber enlargement (25), valve abnormality (19), sternotomy and surgery signs (9), LV wall thickening (7), device (5), LV wall thinning (2), pericardial effusion (5), and others (3). After a mean follow-up of 43.9 months, 19 cardiovascular events were found in the cohort (transient ischemic attack, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, acute arrhythmia, palpitation, syncope and acute chest pain). Only 1 event occurred in the group of patients with no incidental pertinent reportable cardiac findings (1/137 = 0.73%). All other 18 events occurred in patients with incidental pertinent reportable cardiac findings (18/85 = 21.2%), which was significantly different (p < 0.0001). One out of the total 19 events in the overall group (5.24%) occurred in a patient with no incidental pertinent reportable cardiac findings while 18 of 19 total events (94.74%) occurred with patients with incidental pertinent reportable cardiac findings, which was also significantly different (p < 0.001). Fifteen of the total events (79%) occurred in patients in whom the incidental pertinent reportable cardiac findings were not reported, which was significantly different (p < 0.001) from the four events that occurred in patients in whom the incidental pertinent reportable cardiac findings were reported or had no findings. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental pertinent reportable cardiac findings are common on abdominal CTs and are frequently not reported by radiologists. These findings are of clinical relevance since patients with pertinent reportable cardiac findings have a significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular events on follow-up.

Patients with Clinically Suspected Gallstone Disease: A More Selective Ultrasound May Improve Treatment Related Outcomes.

This study aimed to quantify the confirmation of gallstones on ultrasound (US) in patients with suspicion of gallstone disease. To aid general practitioners (GPs) in diagnostic workup, a model to predict gallstones was developed. A prospective cohort study was conducted in two Dutch general hospitals. Patients (≥18 years) were eligible for inclusion when referred by GPs for US with suspicion of gallstones. The primary outcome was the confirmation of gallstones on US. A multivariable regression model was developed to predict the presence of gallstones. In total, 177 patients were referred with a clinical suspicion of gallstones. Gallstones were found in 64 of 177 patients (36.2%). Patients with gallstones reported higher pain scores (VAS 8.0 vs. 6.0, p < 0.001), less frequent pain (21.9% vs. 54.9%, p < 0.001), and more often met criteria for biliary colic (62.5% vs. 44.2%, p = 0.023). Predictors for the presence of gallstones were a higher pain score, frequency of pain less than weekly, biliary colic, and an absence of heartburn. The model showed good discrimination between patients with and without gallstones (C-statistic 0.73, range: 0.68-0.76). Clinical diagnosis of symptomatic gallstone disease is challenging. The model developed in this study may aid in the selection of patients for referral and improve treatment related outcomes.

A Rare Presentation of Chronic Appendicitis in the Right Upper Quadrant: A Case Report.

Chronic appendicitis is a rare cause of chronic abdominal pain that can be difficult to diagnose. We present a patient with chronic right upper quadrant pain that was finally diagnosed as chronic appendicitis. This 71-year-old male had no systemic diseases and presented to our outpatient clinic with right upper quadrant pain for one month. The pain tended to worsen in the early morning but could be relieved by bowel movements, sitting up, or walking. The findings of a physical examination, laboratory data, and abdominal ultrasound were not significant. Upper endoscopy revealed a shallow gastric ulcer at the antrum. However, the abdominal pain was not relieved by esomeprazole. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a dilated appendix with some appendicoliths in the retrocecal region. Due to chronic appendicitis, the patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, and the histopathological examination of the removed appendix confirmed the diagnosis. The abdominal pain completely resolved after the surgery. Chronic appendicitis should be kept in mind in patients with chronic abdominal pain without a definite diagnosis. This case illustrates that in addition to right lower quadrant pain, chronic appendicitis can also present with right upper quadrant pain or vague abdominal pain. A CT scan is invaluable in the diagnosis of abdominal pain when medical treatment fails to yield improvement.

Laparoscopic Reduction and Repair of a Mesocolic Hernia Causing Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Mesocolic hernias are a rare cause of small bowel obstruction that occurs when a loop of small bowel herniates through a defect in the mesocolon. We present a case of a 35-year-old male with a mesocolic hernia causing small bowel obstruction, who was successfully treated with laparoscopic reduction and repair. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 3. Mesocolic hernias should be considered in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction, and prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential to prevent complications such as bowel ischemia and perforation. Laparoscopic treatment can be a safe and effective option for the management of mesocolic hernias. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, radiological features, and surgical management of mesocolic hernias, with a focus on the role of laparoscopy in the treatment of this rare condition.

Idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis Presenting as Hemorrhagic Ascites: A Case Report.

This report presents a perplexing case involving a 16-year-old adolescent presenting with persistent upper abdominal pain and distention. The patient had no history of substance abuse or animal-related encounters. Clinical examination revealed abdominal tension, distention, and localized tenderness. Laboratory analysis indicated elevated white blood cell count, mildly reduced hemoglobin and platelet levels, and notably heightened amylase and lipase levels. Serum albumin displayed a minor decrease. Despite repeated consultations and ultrasound evaluations, the underlying cause remained elusive. Advanced imaging unveiled substantial abdominopelvic ascites, a shrunken pancreas with an expanded main duct, and thickening at the ileocecal junction. Ascitic fluid analysis unveiled hemorrhagic fluid with elevated cell and neutrophil counts. Notably, the fluid accumulation extended into the omental apron covering the intestines. Biopsy results ruled out malignancy and chronic infections. We diagnosed him as a case of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis presenting as hemorrhagic ascites. This case underscores the intricacies of diagnosing complex abdominal disorders. A comprehensive approach, involving multidisciplinary collaboration, rigorous diagnostic assessments, and meticulous patient evaluation, is essential for elucidating such challenging clinical scenarios.

The Key Role of Upper Endoscopy in Diagnosing Gastric Herniation and Volvulus in Acute Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

The diagnosis of gastric volvulus can be a clinical challenge as it is rare, and the symptoms are often nonspecific and intermittent. Upper endoscopy is a minimally invasive intervention that may be repeated more than once to provide key information and ultimately establish such a diagnosis. To emphasize the role of upper endoscopy in surgical cases with recurrent upper gastrointestinal obstructions, we present a case of intermittent gastric volvulus in a patient with a remote history of complex chest wall reconstruction for invasive breast cancer using an omental flap. She presented with substernal chest pain, belching, nausea, and vomiting. Although the initial imaging suggested duodenal obstruction, exploratory laparotomy and intraoperative upper endoscopy did not show any pathology in the stomach or duodenum. Repeat upper endoscopy due to recurrence of obstructive symptoms shortly after the initial exploratory laparotomy revealed a gastric volvulus. This resulted in abnormal duodenal orientation which caused intermittent duodenal obstruction while the pathology was in the stomach. Gastric volvulus may be spontaneously reducible, leading to discordance in findings during the clinical course. This could explain the absence of visible twisting on initial exploratory laparotomy in this patient and the subsequent findings of volvulus on upper endoscopy. Thus, it is important to consider gastric volvulus as a possible cause of symptoms despite initial negative findings as it is a dynamic process and may only be discovered through relook upper endoscopy and imaging.

Comparison Between Two Volumes of 70% Alcohol in Single Injection Ultrasound-Guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain due to inoperable upper abdominal malignancies is a challenging condition that needs a multimodal analgesic regimen to be managed properly. Celiac plexus alcohol neurolysis was proved to be effective in relieving such type of pain; however, there is no consistent data about the optimal volume to be used to maintain the balance between the neurolytic effect and the destructive effect of alcohol. OBJECTIVES: We aim to compare the analgesic effect of 2 different volumes of alcohol to improve the outcome of interventional management. STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled double-blinded interventional clinical trial. SETTING: Single university hospital. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who suffered from abdominal pain due to unresectable abdominal malignancies were randomly allocated to receive in a single injection ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) with injection of either 20 mL 70% alcohol (CPN20 group) or 40 mL 70% alcohol (CPN40 group). The primary outcome was the post-procedure pain score, while the secondary outcomes included the post-procedure total daily opioid consumption and quality of life (QOL). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding visual analog scale (VAS) scores at all time points (P-value > 0.05); however, comparisons in each group revealed significantly reduced VAS scores at all time points following the intervention when compared to the baseline. Daily morphine equivalent consumption doses showed statistically significant differences between the baseline and each time point in both groups (P value < 0.05), with no significant difference between both groups at each time point (P value > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups regarding all domains in quality of life assessment at all time points (P value > 0.05). The scores of most time points in all domains were different significantly when compared to the baseline readings in both groups, with a tendency to decline over time in both groups approaching the baseline values. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-center study with a relatively small sample size. Further prospective, multicenter, randomized, and controlled studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the effects in this study. CONCLUSIONS: During ultrasound-guided CPN for patients with inoperable upper abdominal cancers who failed medical management, a volume of 20 mL is as effective as 40 mL of 70% alcohol regarding pain control, opioid consumption, quality of life, and procedure-related complications.

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: Management and Literature Review.

Pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, and fatigue are common symptoms of several upper gastroenterological illnesses. However, the presence of unexplained recurring postprandial abdominal pain and vomiting increases the possibility of median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). MALS is an uncommon illness characterized by postprandial vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. The compression of the median arcuate ligament on the celiac trunk and/or its surrounding celiac nerve plexus may explain this disease phenomenon. Comprehensive workup for other etiologies may be unrevealing except for the compression of the celiac trunk identified in imaging studies and, perhaps, occasional arterial flow rates in sonography studies in some severe cases. Due to the overlapping symptoms of upper gastroenterological disorders, misdiagnosis may be widespread. Therefore, it is essential to consider MALS while examining a patient with upper gastrointestinal disease. In this case series, we present two cases of MALS with similar clinical trajectories and differences in diagnostic techniques.

Diagnostic Value of Dynamic High-frequency Ultrasound for the Slipping Rib and Twelfth Rib Syndrome: A Case Series with Review.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) is a mobile, radiation-free imaging tool for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders. We aim to demonstrate the diagnostic value of dynamic HFUS for undiagnosed lower chest, upper abdomen, and loin pain with this case series. CASE SERIES: A cricketer presented with long-standing left-sided dull ache lower chest and upper abdominal pain, aggravated on exertion and leaning forward. His previous laboratory and previous imaging tests were unrevealing. Dynamic HFUS of his left ribs during hooking maneuver demonstrated slipping of the eighth rib over the seventh rib associated with clicking. He also reported tenderness over this region. He was diagnosed with slipping rib syndrome (SRS), and was treated with the eighth nerve block under the HFUS guidance. The second and third cases presented with chronic undiagnosed waxing and waning loin pain despite extensive laboratory and radiological workup. Both patients demonstrated twelfth rib HFUS probe tenderness in a sitting position with a specific movement that reproduced the pain during the dynamic HFUS study. The diagnosis of twelfth rib syndrome (TRS) was confirmed and treated successfully with a local intercostal nerve block. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE: HFUS is the most underutilized imaging tool for the diagnosis of unexplained upper abdominal and lower chest pain syndromes. We identified only a few such reported cases managed with the help of HFUS. CONCLUSION: The dynamic HFUS is a valuable imaging modality for the undiagnosed lower chest, upper abdominal, or loin pain.

Pediatric fitz-hugh-curtis syndrome diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging.

A 17-year-old girl, who had a sexual intercourse history, presented with fever and right upper quadrant pain. On physical examination, tenderness and percussion tender were identified at that quadrant point, but cervical motion tenderness was not identified. Plane X-ray, abdominal ultrasonography, and nonenhanced abdominal computed tomography, because of contrast agent allergy, showed no specific findings. Nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the high-intensity area in the surface and subcapsule of the liver. From vaginal discharge, polymerase chain reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis was positive. Considered physical and MRI findings, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome was diagnosed. After Azithromycin administering (1000 mg/day), she got better and discharged.

Effectiveness of Percutaneous Celiac Plexus Ablation in the Treatment of Severe Cancer Pain in Upper Abdomen and Evaluation of Health Economics.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness, adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness of percutaneous neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) versus traditional medication strategies for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer having severe upper abdominal cancer pain. METHODS: This retrospective study included 81 patients with advanced upper abdominal cancer admitted to The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University between January 2013 and July 2014. The patients were divided into percutaneous NCPB (treatment) and medication for pain (control) groups. The outcomes were measured in terms of Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score before treatment and on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 28th days posttreatment. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the therapy were assessed using analysis of the health economics. RESULTS: The improvements in NRS score (1.42 ± 1.09 vs 4.03 ± 0.96, P < .01) and KPS score (65.55 ± 9.09 vs 63.03 ± 8.961, P < .01) in the treatment group were significantly superior compared to the control group on the 7th day of treatment, followed by no significant difference between the 2 groups on the 14th and the 28th day of treatment. Health economics evaluation revealed that the medicine-specific costs and total health care costs were significantly reduced in the treatment group compared to the control group ( P < .05), but no significant differences between the 2 groups ( P > .05) were seen in the costs of hospitalization, examinations, and treatment. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous NCPB method shows promising results and better cost-effectiveness for treating patients with advanced cancer having severe upper abdominal pain.

Acute Cytomegalovirus Hepatitis in an Immunocompetent Host as a Reason for Upper Right Abdominal Pain.

Cytomegalovirus infections are widely distributed with a seroprevalence of up to 100%. The majority of the cases take a silent course or deal with unspecific clinical symptoms. Complications in immunocompetent patients are rare but may affect the liver and lead up to an acute organ failure. In this case report, we describe a 35-year-old immunocompetent female with an acute cytomegalovirus infection presenting as acute hepatitis with ongoing upper right abdominal pain after cholecystectomy. Upper right abdominal pain is a common symptom with a wide range of differential diagnoses. If common reasons can be excluded, we want to sensitize for cytomegalovirus infection as a minor differential diagnosis even in immunocompetent patients.

Prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease with upper gastrointestinal symptoms without heartburn and regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatically 'silent' gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) may be underdiagnosed. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of untreated GORD without heartburn and/or regurgitation in primary care. METHODS: Patients were included if they had frequent upper gastrointestinal symptoms and had not taken a proton pump inhibitor in the previous 2 months (Diamond study: NCT00291746). GORD was diagnosed based on the presence of reflux oesophagitis, pathological oesophageal acid exposure, and/or a positive symptom-acid association probability. Patients completed the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) and were interviewed by physicians using a prespecified symptom checklist. RESULTS: GORD was diagnosed in 197 of 336 patients investigated. Heartburn and/or regurgitation were reported in 84.3% of patients with GORD during the physician interviews and in 93.4% of patients with GORD when using the RDQ. Of patients with heartburn and/or regurgitation not identified at physician interview, 58.1% (18/31) reported them at a 'troublesome' frequency and severity on the RDQ. Nine patients with GORD did not report heartburn or regurgitation either at interview or on the RDQ. CONCLUSIONS: Structured patient-completed questionnaires may help to identify patients with GORD not identified during physician interview. In a small proportion of consulting patients, heartburn and regurgitation may not be present in those with GORD.

Lipoma gástrico: lesión submucosa infrecuente: reporte de dos casos tratados / Unusual gastric submucosal lipoma lesion: report of two cases

El lipoma gástrico (LG), es un tumor benigno raro que representa el 5 % de los lipomas gastrointestinales y menos del 1 % de todos los tumores gástricos. Se localizan habitualmente a nivel de la submucosa y generalmente en la región antral. La endoscopia y la tomografía computarizada son las herramientas diagnósticas más utilizadas en el proceso diagnóstico. Dada su relativa rareza, quedan a menudo fuera del diagnóstico diferencial de las masas submucosas gastrointestinales superiores. El objetivo de este manuscrito, es reportar dos casos tratados de forma consecutiva y revisar la literatura existente en esta materia. Se trata de dos pacientes de sexo masculino, de 49 y 69 años de edad, a quienes se diagnosticó una lesión submucosa gástrica por endoscopia y fueron tratados quirúrgicamente y cuyos especímenes fueron estudiados histológicamente, concluyéndose en ambos casos la existencia de un LG. Ambos pacientes evolucionaron de forma correcta y permanecen en controles clínicos y endoscópicos hasta la actualidad, sin inconvenientes. El LG es una entidad poco común, que puede simular una enfermedad maligna. Presentamos dos casos tratados quirúrgicamente con resultados satisfactorios.

Gastric lipoma (GL), is a rare benign tumor that represents 5 % of gastrointestinal lipomas and less than 1 % of all gastric tumors. They are usually located at the level of the submucosa and usually in the antral region. Endoscopy and computed tomography are the diagnostic tools most used in the diagnostic process. Given their relative rarity, they are often left out of the differential diagnosis of the upper gastrointestinal submucosal masses. The aim of this manuscript was to report two cases treated consecutively and review the existing literature on this subject. Two male patients, 49 and 69 years of age, were diagnosed with a gastric submucosal lesion by endoscopy and were treated surgically. The specimens were studied histologically; concluding the existence of a GL in both cases. The two patients evolved adequately and have remained in clinical and endoscopic controls until now, without problems. GL is a rare entity, which can simulate a malignant disease. We present two cases treated surgically with satisfactory results.

Biliary ascariasis in the Indian subcontinent: a study of 42 cases.

BACKGROUND/AIM: History of ascariasis is known to stretch back many centuries. One quarter of the world's population is known to be infected by ascariasis. It is endemic in various parts of the Indian subcontinent and the gangetic plain of West Bengal is one of them. We aimed to study the various types of clinical presentations, complications and different diagnostic tools and to assess various options for the management of biliary ascariasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two cases of hepatobiliary ascariasis were studied over a period of 3 years. All the patients were adults aged between 20 and 50 years and all but two were admitted with acute upper abdominal pain. RESULTS: In this study, biliary ascariasis was found to be more common in females, 73.8% (31 patients). The most common presentation was upper abdominal pain in 95.2% of the patients (40 patients). Complications observed were obstructive jaundice in 28.56% (12 patients), cholangitis in 16.7% (seven patients), acute pancreatitis in 2.4% (one patient) and hepatic abscess in 2.4% (one patient). History of worm emesis was present in 38.1% (16 patients). History of previous cholecystectomy was present in 16.7% (seven patients) and endoscopic sphincterotomy in 4.8% (two patients). Ultrasound was the diagnostic tool of choice with 100% results. Conservative management was successful in 83.3% (35 patients). During follow-up, worm reinvasion of the biliary system occurred in 7.1% (three patients). CONCLUSION: In endemic countries, ascariasis should be suspected in patients with biliary disease, especially if a cholecystectomy or sphincterotomy has been performed in the past. Most of the patients respond to conservative management.

Herramientas clínicas para el enfrentamiento de dolor abdominal alto recurrente crónico en adultos con endoscopia y tomografía abdominal normal. ¿Dispepsia o algo más? / Clinical tools for treatment of chronic recurrent upper abdominal pain with endoscopy and normal abdominal computed tomography: dyspepsia or something else?

Recurrent upper abdominal pain is a condition that requires clinical capabilities for treatment, because its diagnosis has a wide spectrum, going from functional pathologies to potentially lethal diseases. Occasionally, the gastroenterologist sees patients that have already gone upper endoscopic procedure and Computed Tomography. Correct clinical assessment is key for diagnosis with an appropriate characterization of the symptoms and systematic exploration of the alarm signs. Reliability of the tests performed must be reviewed. Among the etiologies, the clinician must consider functional conditions, biliar lithiasis, food allergies, abdominal wall pain, metabolic disorders and secondary to drugs.

El dolor abdominal alto recurrente es un cuadro que exige habilidades clínicas, dado que el diagnóstico diferencial es amplio, desde patologías funcionales, hasta enfermedades graves potencialmente letales. Ocasionalmente, el gastroenterólogo es consultado por pacientes que han sido estudiados con endoscopía alta y tomografía computada. La correcta evaluación clínica es clave para orientar el diagnóstico con una adecuada caracterización del síntoma y la exploración sistemática de signos de alarma. Se debe revisar la confiabilidad de los exámenes realizados. Dentro de las etiologías, el médico debe considerar cuadros funcionales, litiasis biliar, alergias alimentarias, dolor originado en la pared abdominal, trastornos metabólicos y secundarios a drogas.