Differential Diagnosis for 81 year old female with CHF and red swollen finger and toe
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cellulitis: This is a common infection of the skin and soft tissues, which can cause redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. The patient's age and history of CHF may increase her risk for developing cellulitis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Erythromelalgia: A condition characterized by burning pain, redness, and heat in the hands and feet, which can be associated with CHF.
- Gout: A form of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often affecting the toes.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, which can cause swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled and causes widespread inflammation.
- Pulmonary embolism: A blockage of an artery in the lungs, which can be a complication of DVT and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Gangrene: A condition characterized by the death of tissue due to a lack of blood supply, which can occur in the context of CHF, diabetes, or peripheral artery disease.
- Rare diagnoses
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition characterized by burning pain, swelling, and changes in skin temperature and color, which can occur after an injury or trauma.
- Buerger's disease: A rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs, which can cause pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
- Scleroderma: A group of rare diseases that cause the skin and connective tissue to become hard and tight, which can lead to swelling, pain, and limited mobility in the affected areas.