Differential Diagnosis for Easy Bruising
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Vitamin C deficiency (Scurvy): Easy bruising is a common symptom of scurvy due to the role of vitamin C in collagen synthesis and blood vessel integrity. This condition is relatively common, especially in individuals with poor dietary habits or increased requirements.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K is essential for the production of clotting factors in the liver. A deficiency can lead to easy bruising due to impaired blood clotting.
- Platelet disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction): Conditions affecting platelet count or function can lead to easy bruising due to the body's reduced ability to form blood clots.
- Medication side effects (e.g., anticoagulants, steroids): Certain medications, such as anticoagulants and steroids, can increase the risk of easy bruising as a side effect.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Leukemia: Leukemia can cause easy bruising due to bone marrow suppression leading to thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis): Liver disease can lead to coagulopathy due to decreased production of clotting factors, resulting in easy bruising. Liver disease can have severe consequences if not addressed.
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia): Although less common, bleeding disorders like hemophilia can present with easy bruising and require prompt diagnosis to prevent severe complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissue, which can lead to easy bruising due to fragile blood vessels.
- Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: A rare genetic disorder affecting elastic fibers in connective tissue, leading to easy bruising among other symptoms.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, which can lead to easy bruising due to blood vessel fragility.