[Contribution to differential diagnosis of chronic abdominal pain].

Differential diagnosis of abdominal pain is a complex area of internal medicine. The present paper discusses possible aetiology together with characterisation of some other signs, pain localisation, its propagation and diagnosis. The approach to differential diagnosis of abdominal pain must always be comprehensive and span from targeted anamnesis to physical examination of the abdomen and rational application of available, mainly imaging and endoscopic methods. Therefore, we present the most frequent aetiologies of functional and organic impairments ofthe oesophagus, intestines and pancreatic and biliary area, including possible extra-abdominal causes of abdominal pain. It is emphasised that abdominal pain should always be carefully investigated and analysed in order to prevent major mistakes and possible harm to our patients.