Differential Diagnosis for Nausea, Chronic Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Young Female
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This condition is increasingly common in young females, especially those with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Chronic elevated liver enzymes and nausea can be presenting symptoms.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Autoimmune hepatitis: An autoimmune condition that can cause chronic liver inflammation, leading to elevated liver enzymes. It is more common in females and can present with non-specific symptoms like nausea.
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): A chronic liver disease characterized by progressive destruction of the bile ducts within the liver, leading to elevated liver enzymes. It predominantly affects middle-aged women but can occur in younger females.
- Viral hepatitis (B or C): Chronic infections can cause persistent elevation of liver enzymes and may be asymptomatic or present with non-specific symptoms like nausea.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilson's disease: A rare genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the liver, causing liver damage. It can present with elevated liver enzymes, nausea, and is more common in young females. Missing this diagnosis can lead to severe liver damage and other complications.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: A genetic disorder that can cause liver disease and lung disease. It's crucial to diagnose early to prevent liver damage progression.
- Budd-Chiari syndrome: A rare condition caused by thrombosis of the hepatic veins, leading to liver enlargement, ascites, and abdominal pain. It can present with nausea and elevated liver enzymes.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Glycogen storage diseases: A group of genetic disorders that affect glycogen synthesis or breakdown, leading to liver enlargement and elevated liver enzymes.
- Gaucher's disease: A genetic disorder causing lipid accumulation in the liver, spleen, and bones, which can lead to liver enzyme elevation.
- Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease: Although primarily a lung disease, cystic fibrosis can also affect the liver, leading to focal biliary cirrhosis and multilobular cirrhosis.