ABSTRACT
EMQs describing abdominal pain are very common. Box 1 describes some classic presentations that you may find in questions.
Colicky loin pain radiating to groin Ureteric colic Jaundice and constant right upper Biliary colic quadrant pain Severe epigastric pain radiating to back Acute pancreatitis associated with vomiting Periumbilical pain radiating to right Acute appendicitis iliac fossa Central abdominal pain, expansile Abdominal aortic aneurysm pulsatile mass Iliac fossa pain, positive pregnancy test Ectopic pregnancy
Asterixis (liver flap) Hepatic encephalopathy Leukonychia Hypoalbuminaemia Koilonychia Iron-deficiency anaemia Angular stomatitis Iron-deficiency anaemia Buccal pigmentation Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Addison’s disease Glossitis Vitamin B12 deficiency Aphthous ulceration Inflammatory bowel disease
Coeliac disease Expansile pulsatile mass Aneurysm Craggy hepatomegaly Liver malignancy
Box 2 summarizes various signs that may be mentioned in an EMQ which should prompt you to look for particular options in the question.
