Differential Diagnosis
The patient's laboratory results show elevated ferritin levels, low iron levels, and low transferrin levels. Based on these results, the following differential diagnosis can be considered:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD): The patient's low iron level, elevated ferritin level, and low transferrin level are consistent with ACD. The high ferritin level suggests an inflammatory response, which is often seen in chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections, or malignancies.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: Although the patient's iron level is low, the ferritin level is elevated, which suggests that the iron deficiency may not be due to a lack of iron stores. However, it is still possible that the patient has iron deficiency anemia, especially if there is ongoing blood loss or increased iron requirements.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Elevated ferritin levels can be seen in patients with chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis. The low transferrin level may also be consistent with this diagnosis.
- Do Not Miss
- Hemochromatosis: Although the patient's iron saturation is not significantly elevated, hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause elevated ferritin levels and iron overload. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially treatable condition.
- Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): This rare condition is characterized by elevated ferritin levels, and it can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: This rare genetic disorder can cause elevated ferritin levels and iron overload.
- Aceruloplasminemia: This rare genetic disorder is characterized by elevated ferritin levels and iron overload, and it can cause neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
- Gaucher's Disease: This rare genetic disorder can cause elevated ferritin levels and iron overload, and it can also cause splenomegaly and bone marrow involvement.