Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a nerve entrapment condition that causes chronic pain of the abdominal wall. It occurs when nerve endings of the lower thoracic intercostal nerves (7–12) are 'entrapped' in abdominal muscles, causing a severe localized nerve (neuropathic) 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.[1]
The relative unfamiliarity with this condition often leads to significant diagnostic delays and misdiagnoses, often resulting in unnecessary diagnostic interventions and futile procedures.[2] Physicians often misdiagnose ACNES as irritable bowel syndrome or "functional disorders", as symptoms of the condition are not dispositive.