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Differential Diagnosis for a 5-year-old with Abdominal Pain, Intussusception, Hives, Facial Swelling, and Redness of Fingers and Toes

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): This condition is characterized by abdominal pain, intussusception, hives (purpura), and joint pain, which aligns with the symptoms described. The presence of intussusception, a known complication of HSP, further supports this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Allergic Reaction or Anaphylaxis: The combination of hives, facial swelling, and redness of extremities could indicate a severe allergic reaction. However, the presence of intussusception is less commonly associated with anaphylaxis.
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain and potentially intussusception, though the acute onset of hives and facial swelling is less typical.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Sepsis: Although less likely given the specific constellation of symptoms, sepsis can cause a wide range of symptoms including abdominal pain, rash, and peripheral vasodilation leading to redness. It is critical to consider due to its high mortality if untreated.
    • Acute Abdominal Conditions (e.g., Appendicitis, Mesenteric Lymphadenitis): These conditions can cause severe abdominal pain and potentially mimic some of the symptoms, especially if there's an associated allergic reaction or other complicating factors.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Systemic Vasculitis (e.g., Kawasaki Disease, Polyarteritis Nodosa): These conditions can present with a wide range of symptoms including rash, abdominal pain, and peripheral manifestations. However, they are less common and would typically have additional distinguishing features.
    • Autoimmune Enteropathy: A rare condition characterized by immune-mediated damage to the small intestine, which could potentially explain some of the gastrointestinal symptoms, though it's a less likely explanation for the full spectrum of symptoms described.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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