What is the most likely diagnosis for a 16-year-old girl presenting with fatigue, intermittent limb pain, hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), and laboratory results showing anemia (low hemoglobin), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and normal leukocyte (white blood cell) count?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 11, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a 16-year-old girl with fatigue and intermittent pain in arms and legs

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Gaucher's disease: This is a genetic disorder that can cause fatigue, bone pain, and hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), which are all present in this patient. The low hemoglobin and platelet count also support this diagnosis, as Gaucher's disease can cause pancytopenia due to splenic sequestration.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Sickle cell disease: Although the patient has no significant medical history, her adoption status means her family history is unknown. Sickle cell disease can cause fatigue, bone pain, and hepatosplenomegaly, as well as anemia and thrombocytopenia.
    • Thalassemia major: This is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production, leading to severe anemia, fatigue, and hepatosplenomegaly. The patient's low hemoglobin level and short stature (5th percentile for height and weight) support this diagnosis.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Leukemia: Although the patient's leukocyte count is normal, leukemia can cause fatigue, bone pain, and hepatosplenomegaly. A bone marrow biopsy would be necessary to rule out this diagnosis.
    • Lymphoma: Like leukemia, lymphoma can cause fatigue, bone pain, and hepatosplenomegaly. A lymph node biopsy or imaging studies would be necessary to rule out this diagnosis.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Niemann-Pick disease: This is a rare genetic disorder that can cause hepatosplenomegaly, bone pain, and fatigue. However, it is less likely than Gaucher's disease, as it typically presents with neurological symptoms and a more severe clinical course.
    • Histiocytosis: This is a rare disorder that can cause hepatosplenomegaly, bone pain, and fatigue. However, it is less likely than the other diagnoses, as it typically presents with skin rashes, lymphadenopathy, and other systemic symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.