Published on: 4/7/2025
Upper right abdominal pain in women can be caused by gallbladder issues like gallstones or inflammation and conditions affecting the liver area, including rare conditions like Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.
Several conditions can lead to pain in the upper right part of your belly. One common cause is problems with the gallbladder. Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) can make this area hurt. Ultrasound is often the first test used to look at these issues because it shows the gallbladder and nearby organs very well. Another possibility is liver-related pain. The liver is in the upper right part too, so liver problems can sometimes be confused with gallbladder pain. In women, a less common but notable cause is Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome. This condition is linked with inflammation of the tissue that covers the liver and is sometimes seen with pelvic infections. It is important to remember that doctors look at your symptoms, medical history, and use imaging tests to sort out what exactly is causing the pain. If you have persistent or worsening pain, discussing your symptoms with a doctor can help in finding the proper diagnosis and treatment to make you feel better.
(References)
Revzin MV, Scoutt LM, Garner JG, Moore CL. Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Ultrasound First! J Ultrasound Med. 2017 Oct;36(10):1975-1985. doi: 10.1002/jum.14274. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28586152.
Faré PB, Allio I, Monotti R, Foieni F. Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome: A Diagnosis to Consider in a Woman with Right Upper Quadrant Abdominal Pain without Gallstones. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2018 Feb 22;5(2):000743. doi: 10.12890/2017_000743. PMID: 30756005; PMCID: PMC6346932.
Murali N, El Hayek SM. Abdominal Pain Mimics. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2021 Nov;39(4):839-850. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.003. Epub 2021 Sep 10. PMID: 34600641; PMCID: PMC8430370.
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