Differential Diagnosis for Recurrent Bleeding and Bruising
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins (amyloid) in various tissues, including blood vessels, which can lead to fragile vessels and recurrent bleeding and bruising, particularly in the periorbital areas.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy): A lack of vitamin C can lead to impaired collagen synthesis, resulting in fragile blood vessels and easy bruising.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause them to become fragile and prone to bleeding.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of genetic disorders that affect the body's connective tissue, including blood vessels, which can lead to easy bruising and bleeding.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bleeding Disorder (e.g., Hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease): Although less common in females, certain bleeding disorders can present with recurrent bleeding and bruising, and missing these diagnoses could have significant consequences.
- Leukemia or Lymphoma: Certain types of blood cancers can cause easy bruising and bleeding due to bone marrow suppression or platelet dysfunction.
- Liver Disease: Advanced liver disease can lead to coagulopathy and easy bruising, even in the absence of anticoagulant therapy.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE): A rare genetic disorder that affects the body's elastic tissues, including blood vessels, which can lead to easy bruising and bleeding.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.
- Telangiectasia: A condition characterized by the presence of small, dilated blood vessels, which can be prone to bleeding and bruising.