Differential Diagnosis for 49 YOF with High Fever, Myalgia, Nausea, Rash, and Abnormal Labs
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Hepatitis: The patient's presentation with high fever, myalgia, nausea, and a rash, combined with significantly elevated liver enzymes (ALT of 1275 U/L and ALP 214 U/L), suggests a diagnosis of viral hepatitis. The low white blood cell count (WBC 2.3) and low lymphocyte count (0.3) could be indicative of a viral infection affecting the bone marrow or a severe systemic infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Mononucleosis (Infectious Mononucleosis): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), this condition can present with fever, myalgia, rash, and liver enzyme elevation. However, the severity of liver enzyme elevation in this case is higher than typically seen in mononucleosis.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: Although less likely given the acute presentation, autoimmune hepatitis could explain the liver enzyme elevations and might be considered if viral hepatitis is ruled out and autoimmune markers are present.
- Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Given the rapid onset of symptoms and significant elevation of liver enzymes, DILI should be considered, especially if the patient has recently started new medications.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: Despite the low WBC count, sepsis due to a bacterial infection could present with high fever, rash, and organ dysfunction (indicated by elevated liver enzymes). Sepsis is a medical emergency and must be considered and promptly treated.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome: This condition, characterized by fever, rash, and multi-organ dysfunction, can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
- Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): A rare but potentially fatal condition characterized by excessive immune activation, which can present with fever, cytopenias, and liver dysfunction.
Rare Diagnoses
- Leptospirosis: A zoonotic infection that can cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, myalgia, and liver enzyme elevation. It's less common but should be considered in patients with exposure history.
- Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis: Tick-borne illnesses that can present with fever, rash, and cytopenias, including low WBC and platelet counts.
- Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder leading to copper accumulation in the liver, which can cause liver enzyme elevation and other systemic symptoms. However, the acute presentation in this case makes it less likely.