Differential Diagnosis for Fatty Liver Infiltration and GI Bleeding
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: This condition is a common cause of fatty liver infiltration and can lead to GI bleeding due to the development of varices or mucosal bleeding from gastritis or peptic ulcers.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Although less commonly associated with GI bleeding than alcoholic liver disease, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis, which increases the risk of variceal bleeding.
- Viral Hepatitis: Certain viral hepatitis infections, such as hepatitis B and C, can cause liver inflammation and potentially lead to cirrhosis, increasing the risk of GI bleeding.
- Hemochromatosis: This genetic disorder leads to iron overload, which can cause liver damage and increase the risk of GI bleeding due to cirrhosis or portal hypertension.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Variceal Bleeding due to Cirrhosis: Regardless of the underlying cause of cirrhosis, variceal bleeding is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
- Portal Vein Thrombosis: This condition can cause portal hypertension, leading to variceal bleeding and can be associated with liver disease, including fatty liver infiltration.
- Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE): Also known as watermelon stomach, GAVE is a rare cause of GI bleeding that can be associated with liver disease.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the liver, potentially causing liver damage and increasing the risk of GI bleeding.
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A genetic disorder that can cause liver disease and increase the risk of GI bleeding due to cirrhosis or portal hypertension.
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A rare condition caused by thrombosis of the hepatic veins, leading to liver congestion, cirrhosis, and potentially GI bleeding.