Differential Diagnosis for 87 year old man with dementia
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Aspiration pneumonia: The patient's labored breathing, low pulse ox, and wet lungs on X-ray are consistent with pneumonia. The patient's recent fall and dementia increase the risk of aspiration, making aspiration pneumonia the most likely diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Community-acquired pneumonia: The patient's symptoms and lab results are also consistent with community-acquired pneumonia, which is a common diagnosis in elderly patients.
- Pulmonary edema: The patient's wet lungs on X-ray could also be indicative of pulmonary edema, which can be caused by heart failure or other conditions.
- Sepsis: The patient's elevated WBCs and low pulse ox could be indicative of sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less likely, pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause labored breathing and low pulse ox. The patient's recent fall and immobility increase the risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Cardiac tamponade: The patient's low pulse ox and labored breathing could also be indicative of cardiac tamponade, which is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.
- Pneumothorax: The patient's recent fall and labored breathing increase the risk of pneumothorax, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): Although rare, ARDS is a life-threatening condition that can cause labored breathing and low pulse ox. The patient's recent fall and aspiration increase the risk of ARDS.
- Pulmonary hemorrhage: The patient's wet lungs on X-ray could also be indicative of pulmonary hemorrhage, which is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.