Differential Diagnosis for Entero-Colitis

The differential diagnosis for entero-colitis is broad and includes various infectious, inflammatory, and other causes. Here's a categorized list of potential diagnoses:

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Infectious Colitis: This is often the most common cause of entero-colitis, typically resulting from bacterial (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter), viral (e.g., Norovirus), or parasitic infections. The justification for this being the single most likely diagnosis lies in its high prevalence and the common exposure to pathogens that can cause it.

• Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can present with symptoms of entero-colitis. The chronic nature and specific inflammatory markers help differentiate these from infectious causes.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although IBS does not cause inflammation, it can present with similar symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, making it a consideration in the differential diagnosis.
  • Food Poisoning: Similar to infectious colitis, food poisoning from consuming contaminated food can lead to symptoms of entero-colitis.

• Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infection: This is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its potential for severe complications, including toxic megacolon and death, especially in hospitalized or immunocompromised patients.
  • Ischemic Colitis: Reduced blood flow to the colon can cause ischemic colitis, which can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can mimic entero-colitis and requires timely intervention to prevent complications like abscess formation or perforation.

• Rare Diagnoses

  • Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause a variety of symptoms including those of entero-colitis.
  • Behçet's Disease: A form of vasculitis that can affect the gastrointestinal tract and present with symptoms similar to entero-colitis, among other systemic manifestations.
  • Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): In patients who have undergone bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, GVHD can affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause symptoms of entero-colitis.