Differential Diagnosis for Greasy Stools
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pancreatic Insufficiency: This condition, where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, is a common cause of greasy stools (steatorrhea) due to the malabsorption of fats.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to inflammation and damage in the small intestine, which can result in malabsorption of fats and other nutrients.
- Crohn's Disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms including greasy stools due to malabsorption.
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): A condition where there is an abnormal increase in the bacteria that inhabit the small intestine, which can lead to malabsorption and greasy stools.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can lead to severe digestive problems, including pancreatic insufficiency and steatorrhea. Although less common, it's critical to diagnose due to its significant impact on health.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption, including steatorrhea, and has a high mortality rate if left untreated.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, can cause malabsorption and greasy stools. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Abetalipoproteinemia: A rare inherited disorder that affects the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins, leading to severe steatorrhea.
- Short Bowel Syndrome: A condition that results from a significant loss of intestinal tissue, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, including fats.
- Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-standing inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to pancreatic insufficiency and steatorrhea, though it's less common than other causes of greasy stools.