Differential Diagnosis for Organic Causes of Abdominal Pain and Weight Loss in a 17-Year-Old Female
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and are often triggered by eating. The symptoms and significant weight loss over a short period make IBD a strong consideration.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although more common in adults, GERD can cause significant discomfort and pain after eating, potentially leading to weight loss if the patient avoids eating to prevent symptoms.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause pain related to eating and lead to weight loss due to fear of eating or actual reduction in intake.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten can lead to malabsorption, weight loss, and abdominal pain after consuming gluten-containing foods.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause pain after eating and lead to weight loss if severe.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Gastric Cancer: Although rare in teenagers, gastric cancer can present with weight loss and abdominal pain. It's crucial to rule out this diagnosis due to its severe implications.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Partial or complete blockage of the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and significant weight loss if not promptly addressed.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain and weight loss, especially if chronic.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain, weight loss, and sometimes intestinal obstruction.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption, weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Abdominal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Rare tumors that can produce hormones leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain and weight loss.
Each of these diagnoses should be considered and investigated based on the patient's specific symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings, with the help of appropriate diagnostic tests.