Differential Diagnosis for a 12-month-old Baby Girl with Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, low-grade fever, and dehydration. The presentation of gastroenteritis is common in infants and toddlers, and the symptoms described are consistent with a viral or bacterial cause.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Viral gastroenteritis (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus): These viruses are common causes of gastroenteritis in children, especially in those under the age of 2.
- Bacterial gastroenteritis (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella): Bacterial infections can also cause gastroenteritis, although they are less common than viral causes in this age group.
- Dehydration: While not a primary diagnosis, dehydration is a significant complication of gastroenteritis and is evident in this patient's presentation.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Intussusception: Although less common, intussusception is a life-threatening condition that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Appendicitis: While rare in infants, appendicitis can present with vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is a surgical emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment.
- Sepsis: Bacterial sepsis can cause similar symptoms, including fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can rapidly progress to a life-threatening condition if not recognized and treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Food poisoning: Although possible, food poisoning is less common in infants and would typically require a specific exposure history.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis): These conditions are rare in infants and would typically present with chronic symptoms rather than an acute illness.
- Congenital or acquired intestinal obstruction: Conditions such as pyloric stenosis or intestinal malrotation can cause vomiting and dehydration but are less likely given the patient's age and presentation.