1 Answers
Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome is a nerve entrapment condition that causes chronic pain of the abdominal wall. It occurs when nerve endings of the lower thoracic intercostal nerves are 'entrapped' in abdominal muscles, causing a severe localized nerve pain that is usually experienced at the front of the abdomen.
ACNES syndrome is frequently overlooked and unrecognized, although the incidence is estimated to be 1:2000 patients.
The relative unfamiliarity with this condition often leads to significant diagnostic delays and misdiagnoses, often resulting in unnecessary diagnostic interventions and futile procedures. Physicians often misdiagnose ACNES as irritable bowel syndrome or appendicitis as symptoms of the condition are not unique to this syndrome.