Diagnostic errors in acute abdomen: associated factors and impact on outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19196808Keywords:
Acute abdomen, Diagnostic errors, Abdominal pain, Emergency services, Patient safetyAbstract
This study aimed to analyze, through a literature review, diagnostic errors in acute abdomen, with emphasis on associated factors and their impact on clinical outcomes. This is a descriptive and analytical review conducted through searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, using descriptors related to acute abdomen, abdominal pain, diagnostic errors, and emergency services. Original studies published in recent years and available in full text were included, evaluating diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes in patients with acute abdominal pain. The results demonstrated a high frequency of diagnostic errors, often associated with nonspecific clinical presentations, misinterpretation of clinical findings and complementary exams, as well as failures in the diagnostic process and structural limitations of healthcare services. These errors were associated with delays in treatment, increased complications, and worse clinical outcomes. It is concluded that diagnostic errors in acute abdomen represent a significant challenge in clinical practice, requiring strategies focused on improving clinical reasoning, implementing structured protocols, and enhancing decision-support systems to increase patient safety.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Flávio Henrique Do Nascimento Reges, Isadora Gasparetti, Diana Casarin Kronhardt
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