Differential Diagnosis for a 58-year-old Female with Colitis, Calcium 7.9, and Magnesium 1.1
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis: The patient's presentation with colitis, along with abnormal calcium and magnesium levels, could be indicative of malabsorption secondary to chronic inflammation in the gut, which is common in IBD.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Infectious Colitis: Certain infections can cause colitis and may lead to electrolyte imbalances due to diarrhea and malabsorption.
- Ischemic Colitis: Although less common, ischemic colitis can present with similar symptoms and may be associated with electrolyte disturbances.
- Microscopic Colitis: This condition can cause chronic diarrhea, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infection: A potentially life-threatening condition that can cause colitis and significant electrolyte disturbances.
- Colon Cancer: Although less likely to cause acute electrolyte disturbances, it's crucial to rule out malignancy, especially in a patient of this age group.
- Pseudomembranous Colitis: Similar to C. diff, this condition can be severe and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Autoimmune Enteropathy: A rare condition characterized by autoimmune destruction of the gut, leading to malabsorption and potentially severe electrolyte imbalances.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition that can affect the gut and cause malabsorption, although it's more commonly associated with the stomach and small intestine.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption and electrolyte disturbances, among other symptoms.