Differential Diagnosis for Liver Disease
The following differential diagnosis is organized into categories to help guide the thought process and ensure that all potential causes are considered.
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Hepatitis: This is often the most common cause of liver disease, particularly in individuals with a history of exposure to hepatitis A, B, or C. The diagnosis can be confirmed with serological tests and liver function tests.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: A common cause of liver disease in individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use. The diagnosis can be supported by liver function tests, imaging studies, and a history of alcohol use.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A common cause of liver disease in individuals with obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The diagnosis can be supported by liver function tests, imaging studies, and a history of metabolic syndrome.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: A cause of liver disease in individuals with a history of autoimmune disorders. The diagnosis can be supported by liver function tests, autoantibody tests, and a liver biopsy.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilson's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause liver disease and neurological symptoms. It is essential to consider this diagnosis in young individuals with liver disease and neurological symptoms.
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A rare disorder caused by thrombosis of the hepatic veins, which can lead to liver failure. It is essential to consider this diagnosis in individuals with liver disease and thrombophilia.
- Acetaminophen Toxicity: A common cause of liver failure, particularly in individuals with a history of overdose or chronic use of acetaminophen. It is essential to consider this diagnosis in individuals with liver failure and a history of acetaminophen use.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes destruction of the bile ducts and liver disease. The diagnosis can be supported by liver function tests, autoantibody tests, and a liver biopsy.
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A rare disorder that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts and liver disease. The diagnosis can be supported by liver function tests, imaging studies, and a liver biopsy.
- Hemochromatosis: A rare genetic disorder that causes iron overload and liver disease. The diagnosis can be supported by liver function tests, iron studies, and a liver biopsy.