What is the diagnosis for a 90-year-old male presenting with hip and groin pain, swelling, and a history of impaired renal function, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, and multiple pulmonary nodules, with radiographic findings of bilateral degenerative arthritis in the hips and a 2.4 cm bladder calculus?

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Differential Diagnosis for 90-year-old Male with Hip/Groin Pain and Swelling

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Osteoarthritis: Given the patient's age and presentation of hip/groin pain and swelling, osteoarthritis is the most likely diagnosis. The presence of bilateral degenerative arthritis in hips on X-ray further supports this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Stress fracture: Although the patient does not have a history of trauma, stress fractures can occur in the elderly due to osteoporosis or other underlying conditions.
    • Vascular causes (e.g., atherosclerosis): The patient's history of hyperlipidemia and impaired renal function increases the risk of vascular disease, which could contribute to hip/groin pain.
    • Infection (e.g., septic arthritis): Although less likely, infection is a possible cause of hip pain and swelling, especially in the context of impaired renal function and diabetes mellitus.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed):
    • Malignancy (e.g., metastatic disease): The presence of multiple pulmonary nodules raises concern for metastatic disease, which could be causing the patient's hip/groin pain.
    • Aortic aneurysm or dissection: Although less common, aortic aneurysm or dissection could present with hip/groin pain and is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Osteonecrosis: This condition, also known as avascular necrosis, can cause hip pain and is more common in patients with a history of steroid use or excessive alcohol consumption.
    • Paget's disease: A rare bone disorder that can cause hip pain and deformity, although it is less common in this age group.
    • Bladder calculus causing referred pain: Although the X-ray showed a 2.4 cm bladder calculus, it is unlikely to be the primary cause of the patient's hip/groin pain, but it could be contributing to the patient's discomfort.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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