Differential Diagnosis for Bruising of the Palm of the Hand
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trauma: The most common cause of bruising on the palm of the hand is direct trauma or injury to the area, which could result from a fall, hitting an object, or any form of blunt force.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vasculitis: Conditions that cause inflammation of the blood vessels can lead to bruising, including on the palms. This could be due to various forms of vasculitis, such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura or leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
- Bleeding Disorders: Conditions like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease can increase the risk of bruising due to impaired blood clotting.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin), can increase the tendency to bruise.
- Infection: Infections, particularly those caused by bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal infection), can lead to petechiae or purpura, which might appear as bruising on the palms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningococcemia: A severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can present with purpura or bruising on the palms and soles, and is life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): A condition characterized by both widespread clotting and bleeding in the vascular system, which can lead to bruising and is often associated with severe underlying conditions like sepsis or trauma.
- Thrombocytopenia: A low platelet count can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, and certain causes (like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia) are medical emergencies.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of genetic disorders that affect the body's connective tissue, leading to highly flexible joints and very stretchy skin, and can also cause easy bruising.
- Scurvy: A disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency, which can cause bruising, among other symptoms like malaise and connective tissue defects.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid (a particular type of protein) in various tissues of the body, which can lead to bruising due to the disruption of blood vessel walls.