Difficult differentiation of a somatic symptom disorder from anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES): a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Somatization is regarded as psychological or emotional distress in the form of physical symptoms that are otherwise medically unexplained. Case presentation We report a case of a patient with a somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and depression who was later diagnosed with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) when Carnett’s test was positive and block anesthesia using trigger point injections dramatically improved the symptom of abdominal pain. Conclusion We concluded that the differentiation of SSDs, such as psychogenic pain, from ACNES is very difficult. Psychiatrists should be aware of this syndrome.

Keywords

• ACNES
• SSDs
• Differentiating diagnosis