Differential Diagnosis for Hematology Diseases Presenting as Iron Deficiency
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) due to chronic blood loss: This is the most common cause of iron deficiency, often resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding, menstrual bleeding, or other sources of chronic blood loss.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Anemia of chronic disease (ACD): Conditions like chronic infections, inflammation, or malignancies can lead to anemia that resembles iron deficiency due to the body's altered iron metabolism.
- Thalassemia: Certain types of thalassemia can present with microcytic anemia similar to iron deficiency, although other distinguishing features are usually present.
- Sideroblastic anemia: A group of disorders characterized by the accumulation of iron in the mitochondria of red blood cell precursors, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and a presentation that can mimic iron deficiency anemia.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder that can cause malabsorption of iron, leading to deficiency. It's crucial to diagnose due to the significant impact of gluten-free diet on disease management.
- Gastric cancer: Chronic blood loss from gastric cancer can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Early detection is critical for treatment outcomes.
- Colon cancer: Similar to gastric cancer, colon cancer can cause chronic blood loss leading to iron deficiency anemia, making it a diagnosis that should not be missed.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Hereditary hemochromatosis: Although typically associated with iron overload, early stages or specific mutations can present with iron deficiency due to increased iron loss or sequestration.
- Pyridoxine-responsive sideroblastic anemia: A rare form of sideroblastic anemia that responds to vitamin B6 supplementation, presenting with iron deficiency-like features.
- Aceruloplasminemia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by iron accumulation in tissues due to the lack of ceruloplasmin, which can lead to a presentation mimicking iron deficiency anemia due to the body's inability to utilize iron effectively.