Protocolo diagnóstico diferencial del dolor abdominal en pacientes con enfermedades inmunomediadas autoinmunes sistémicas

Abstract

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are often accompanied by pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms that may affect different areas of the digestive tract. Its differential diagnosis is complex due to the nonspecific and episodic nature of the clinical manifestations. It is essential to perform a comprehensive differential diagnosis that considers specific organ damage and vascular complications associated with the disease, infections, adverse drug effects, and occult neoplasms. The case history should be detailed, including the onset, location, duration, and characteristics of the pain as well as triggering factors, associated symptoms, and treatments received. The physical examination plays a key role in identifying signs of acute abdomen that require surgical intervention as well as oriented clinicians toward a precise etiology. Laboratory studies, in addition to imaging tests according to clinical suspicion, are indispensable. This comprehensive approach makes it possible to distinguish between surgical, inflammatory, metabolic, and infectious causes, ensuring adequate and timely management.