HSP Diagnosis Differential
The differential diagnosis for Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) can be organized into the following categories:
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): This is the most likely diagnosis given the name "Hsp diagnosis". HSP is a form of vasculitis that affects blood vessels and is characterized by the deposition of IgA immune complexes. It typically presents with palpable purpura, abdominal pain, arthralgias, and renal involvement.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Infectious Purpura: Certain infections can cause purpura, such as meningococcal sepsis or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These conditions may present similarly to HSP but have distinct causes and require different treatments.
- Allergic Purpura: Allergic reactions to medications or other substances can cause purpura, which may be confused with HSP.
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Conditions that cause low platelet counts, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), can lead to purpura and may be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningococcal Sepsis: This is a life-threatening condition that can cause purpura and requires immediate treatment. It is essential to consider this diagnosis, even if it seems unlikely, due to its high mortality rate if left untreated.
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): DIC is a condition that can cause both thrombosis and bleeding, including purpura. It is a critical diagnosis to consider due to its high morbidity and mortality.
- Vasculitis due to Other Causes: Other forms of vasculitis, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis) or microscopic polyangiitis, can present with similar symptoms to HSP and require different treatments.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: This is a group of genetic disorders that can cause blood vessel fragility and purpura. While rare, it is essential to consider in patients with unexplained purpura or a family history of the condition.
- Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the elastic fibers in the skin, eyes, and cardiovascular system, and can cause purpura.
- Scurvy: Vitamin C deficiency can cause purpura and other symptoms, although this is relatively rare in developed countries.