Differential Diagnosis for Yellow Sclera
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Jaundice due to Liver Disease: This is the most common cause of yellow sclera, resulting from elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, often due to liver dysfunction or disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hemolytic Anemia: Conditions that lead to the breakdown of red blood cells can cause an increase in bilirubin, leading to jaundice and yellow sclera.
- Biliary Obstruction: Blockage of the bile ducts can prevent bilirubin from leaving the liver and entering the intestine, causing it to build up in the blood and leading to jaundice.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Tumors in the pancreas can obstruct the bile ducts, leading to jaundice.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that leads to iron overload, which can cause liver damage and lead to jaundice. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe liver damage and other complications.
- Wilson's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver, leading to liver damage and potentially jaundice. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe liver damage.
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A disease that leads to scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts, which can cause jaundice. It is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Rare Diagnoses
- Dubin-Johnson Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to transport bilirubin, leading to chronic jaundice.
- Rotor Syndrome: A benign condition similar to Dubin-Johnson syndrome, characterized by chronic elevation of conjugated bilirubin.
- Gilbert Syndrome: A mild genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to process bilirubin, leading to intermittent jaundice, especially during times of stress or illness.