Differential Diagnosis for 54-year-old Female with Fever Blisters on Lip and Abdominal Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presence of fever blisters on the lip, which is a classic symptom of HSV infection. The abdominal pain could be unrelated or possibly due to a viral gastroenteritis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Viral gastroenteritis: The combination of fever blisters and abdominal pain could suggest a viral infection affecting both the skin and the gastrointestinal system.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Although less likely, IBD (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) could cause abdominal pain and potentially trigger or exacerbate oral ulcers or fever blisters in some cases.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Herpes Simplex Encephalitis: Although the primary symptom is fever blisters on the lip, it's crucial to consider the possibility of HSV encephalitis, especially if there are any neurological symptoms, as it is a medical emergency.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm or other acute abdominal conditions: Severe abdominal pain can be a sign of a life-threatening condition such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Behçet's disease: A rare condition characterized by recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and uveitis. It could potentially cause both the fever blisters and abdominal pain if there is gastrointestinal involvement.
- Erythema multiforme: A skin condition that can cause target lesions, including on the lips, and can be associated with various infections, including HSV, and sometimes with abdominal symptoms if there is systemic involvement.