In a case of acute abdominal pain that radiates to the back, what is the likely diagnosis?

In cases of acute abdominal pain that radiates to the back, pancreatitis is a likely diagnosis because the anatomy and pathophysiology involved can explain this symptom presentation. The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, and when it becomes inflamed, pain can often be referred to the back due to the close proximity of the nerves and the visceral nature of the pain.

Unlike cholecystitis, which typically presents with pain in the right upper quadrant that may radiate to the shoulder or scapula, and appendicitis, which usually presents with right lower quadrant pain, pancreatitis is more common in individuals with risk factors such as chronic alcohol use or gallstones, and the pain often has a characteristic quality. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, tends to present with diffuse abdominal discomfort along with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, rather than localized pain that radiates.

Thus, pancreatitis effectively matches the symptom of acute abdominal pain with radiation to the back, making it the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.