Differential Diagnosis for Elevated AST, ALT, and Bilirubin
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Hepatitis: This is the most common cause of elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and bilirubin. Viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A, B, or C, can cause inflammation of the liver, leading to these laboratory abnormalities.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, causing elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition, often associated with obesity and diabetes, can cause liver inflammation and damage, resulting in elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin.
- Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Certain medications, such as acetaminophen, can cause liver damage, leading to elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acetaminophen Overdose: This is a medical emergency that can cause severe liver damage and failure if not promptly treated.
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A rare condition caused by blood clots in the hepatic veins, which can lead to liver failure and death if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
- Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder that can cause copper accumulation in the liver, leading to liver damage and failure if not diagnosed and treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: A rare condition in which the immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation and damage.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A rare autoimmune disease that causes progressive destruction of the bile ducts, leading to liver damage and failure.
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A rare disease that causes scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts, leading to liver damage and failure.