Chronic abdominal pain due to entrapment of the anterior abdominal cutaneous nerve (ACNES): About a case

Abstract

Anterior abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a chronic neuropathic abdominal pain that can radiate dorsally and occurs as a result of entrapment of the thoracic intercostal nerves in the abdominal muscles. This pain increases with the contraction of the abdominal muscles and is not related to meals or bowel habits. Its diagnosis is based on history and physical examination without the need for additional tests. The treatment of this pathology consists of the infiltration of a local anesthetic together with corticosteroids at the point of greatest pain, which achieves an immediate resolution of the pain.

Keywords

• abdomen rectus muscles
• intercostal nerves
• neuropathic pain