Brit J Hosp Med
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Brit J Hosp Med
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Most life-threatening conditions form a coherent clinical picture, with examination findings confirming the patient's history. However, pain out of proportion to examination findings can also signify an emergency - acute compartment syndrome, bowel ischaemia, necrotising fasciitis and acute aortic dissection may all present in this way. ⋯ Patients with unexplained pain risk significant morbidity and mortality, and doctors are vulnerable to litigation and reputational damage. This article addresses this danger, exploring the causes and pathology of pain that is out of proportion, and presenting an approach to mitigate risk and prevent catastrophe.