Differential Diagnosis for Iron Deficiency Anemia in a 26-year-old Male with Gastroparesis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Chronic blood loss from gastrointestinal sources (e.g., ulcers, erosions, or angiodysplasia): This is likely due to the patient's gastroparesis, which can lead to mucosal damage and bleeding.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder that can cause malabsorption of iron and other nutrients, potentially exacerbated by gastroparesis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic blood loss, iron deficiency, and gastroparesis.
- Helicobacter pylori infection: A common cause of gastrointestinal inflammation and bleeding, which can contribute to iron deficiency anemia.
- Do Not Miss
- Gastric cancer: Although rare in young adults, gastric cancer can cause iron deficiency anemia and gastroparesis, making it essential to rule out.
- Bleeding from a Dieulafoy's lesion or other vascular malformations: These rare conditions can cause significant gastrointestinal bleeding and iron deficiency anemia.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome): A genetic disorder characterized by vascular malformations that can cause iron deficiency anemia.
- Gastric amyloidosis: A rare condition where amyloid deposits in the stomach can cause gastroparesis and iron deficiency anemia.
- Autoimmune atrophic gastritis: A condition where the immune system attacks the stomach lining, leading to iron deficiency and gastroparesis.