Differential Diagnosis for 74 y.o. male with thrombocytopenia, peripheral neuropathy, cryoglobulinemia after RMSF infection
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) with secondary complications: This diagnosis is likely because the patient has a history of RMSF infection, which can cause thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy. Cryoglobulinemia can also occur as a complication of RMSF.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Post-infectious cryoglobulinemic vasculitis: This condition can occur after certain infections, including RMSF, and is characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins, which can cause vasculitis and lead to thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy.
- Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia: This condition can occur after certain infections, including RMSF, and is characterized by the production of antibodies against platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): This is a life-threatening condition that can occur in the setting of severe infection, including RMSF, and is characterized by both thrombosis and bleeding. It would be deadly if missed, as it requires prompt treatment.
- Meningovascular syphilis: This condition can cause peripheral neuropathy and thrombocytopenia, and can be missed if not considered in the differential diagnosis.
- Rare diagnoses
- Mixed cryoglobulinemia: This is a rare condition characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins, which can cause vasculitis and lead to thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy.
- Parvovirus B19 infection: This virus can cause thrombocytopenia and has been associated with cryoglobulinemia in some cases. However, it is a rare cause of these symptoms, especially in the setting of RMSF infection.