What is the most likely cause of bowed legs, wide open anterior fontanel, and pliable skull bones in a 13-month-old boy with a history of breastfeeding and homegrown baby food intake?

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Differential Diagnosis

The patient's presentation suggests a condition affecting bone development. Here's a categorized differential diagnosis:

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • E. Nutritional rickets: The patient's symptoms, including a wide open anterior fontanel, pliable skull bones, bony prominences at the costochondral junctions (rachitic rosary), and bowed legs, are classic for rickets. The patient's diet, which includes limited solid food and no vitamin supplements, increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency, a common cause of nutritional rickets.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • A. Achondroplasia: Although the patient has a family history of achondroplasia, the presence of bowed legs and other symptoms suggestive of rickets make this diagnosis less likely. Achondroplasia typically presents with short stature, macrocephaly, and characteristic facial features.
    • C. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can cause delayed bone age and growth retardation, but it would not typically cause the specific bony abnormalities seen in this patient.
  • Do Not Miss
    • B. Congenital syphilis: Although less likely, congenital syphilis can cause a range of symptoms, including bony abnormalities. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to ensure prompt treatment and prevent long-term complications.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Other rare genetic disorders affecting bone development, such as vitamin D-dependent rickets or metaphyseal dysplasia, could be considered, but they are less likely given the patient's presentation and dietary history.

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.

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