What is the most likely cause of his pain?

Question

A 26-year-old sports store manager comes to your clinic, complaining of severe right-sided abdominal pain for 12 hours. He began having a stomachache yesterday, with a decreased appetite, but today the pain seems to be just on the lower right side. He has had some nausea and vomiting but no constipation or diarrhea. His last bowel movement was last night and was normal. He has had no fever or chills. He denies any recent illnesses or injuries. His past medical history is unremarkable. He is engaged. He denies any tobacco or drug use and drinks four to six beers per week. His mother has breast cancer and his father has coronary artery disease. On examination he appears ill and is lying on his right side. His temperature is 100.4 and his heart rate is 110. His bowel sounds are decreased and he has rebound and involuntary guarding, one third of the way between the anterior superior iliac spine and the umbilicus in the right lower quadrant. His rectal, inguinal, prostate, penile, and testicular examinations are normal.

A) Acute appendicitis
B) Acute mechanical intestinal obstruction
C) Acute cholecystitis
D) Mesenteric ischemia

Answer 1

A) Acute appendicitis

Appendicitis is common in the young and usually presents with periumbilical pain that localizes to the right lower quadrant in an area known as McBurney's Point, described above as one third of the way between the anterior superior iliac spine and the umbilicus on the right. Rebound and guarding are common. Remote rebound or Rovsing's sign is also seen commonly when the course of appendicitis is advanced. Bowel movements are usually unaffected.