Differential Diagnosis for 11-year-old Female with Abdominal Pain and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's recent history of RSV infection and the presentation of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Viral gastroenteritis is a common complication following a viral respiratory infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Post-viral Syndrome: Some patients may experience a post-viral syndrome after an RSV infection, which can include gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Although less likely than viral gastroenteritis, bacterial gastroenteritis is still a possibility, especially if the patient has been exposed to contaminated food or water.
- Constipation: Constipation can cause abdominal pain and nausea, and it's possible that the patient's recent illness has led to changes in bowel habits.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less common in this age group, appendicitis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt surgical intervention. The patient's abdominal pain and nausea could be indicative of appendicitis.
- Intussusception: This is a condition where a portion of the intestine telescopes into another portion, causing bowel obstruction and potentially life-threatening complications. It's more common in younger children but can occur in older children as well.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Exacerbation: If the patient has a pre-existing condition like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, an exacerbation could present with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mesenteric Lymphadenitis: This is a rare condition characterized by inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery, which can cause abdominal pain and mimic appendicitis.
- Meckel's Diverticulitis: A rare condition where a congenital anomaly of the small intestine becomes inflamed, causing abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Gastrointestinal Foreign Body: Although rare, it's possible that the patient has ingested a foreign body that's causing an intestinal obstruction or other gastrointestinal symptoms.