Will a CAT Scan Always Show Diastasis Recti?

Question

I have been having moderate pain 3-4 inches above belly button 1-2 inches left of midline. I don't have any gerd or changes in bowel habits. Not associated with what or when I eat. However very positional, while sitting pain is much worse(especially the car). I cannot wear jeans anymore, when sitting the pressure from inside is much worse.Feels better when I apply constant firm pressure. I have felt a small knot when standing. Dr did ct was neg. She wanted to refer to gastric dr.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Evaluation from a gereral surgeon will help decide.  He/she may order more imaging tests.  You could also have a hernia.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Without a full examination, there can only be conjecture. However, given your symptoms and descriptions of the physical signs, it appears that you may have a ventral hernia. The symptoms and signs are often evident and exacerbated in a sitting or standing position versus lying down. This could also be one of the reasons why your CT scan was interpreted as negative.

	You should be evaluated by a general surgeon or plastic surgeon who could address this issue.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Your symptoms are classic for a small umbilical or ventral hernia. Pain which worsens on standing or sitting and especially when straining and which gets better when lying on your back with or without a palpable knot IS a hernia unless proven otherwise. What you need is NOT a referral to a GI physician but to a General Surgeon. Surgeons are very good at examining the abdomen more than other specialties and can repair such defects.

	Good Luck.

	Dr. Peter Aldea

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Obviously without evaluating you it is very difficult to tell what is going on. It is quite possible to have a small hernia that pops in and out and may not be visible when you are lying down. Evaluation by a general surgeon, or your internist is probably a good way to start.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

An evaluation by a gastroenterologist may be a good start. You may also want to see a general surgeon since it is possible that the knot you feel may be an incarcerated hernia. CT scans don;t always pick these up.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A hernia is not always detected by CT, and like others have said, there can be many causes of abdominal pain. You should see a general surgeon and possibly a GI doctor for evaluation.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A hernia can be a source of pain along with a whole host of intraabdominal problems.  Usually a rectus diastasis is asymptomatic.  Keep searching for a deeper source before settling on RD.

Will a CAT Scan Always Show Diastasis Recti?

Answers (7)

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