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Differential Diagnosis for Splenomegaly in Adults

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Hepatitis: This is often the most common cause of splenomegaly in adults, particularly due to hepatitis B and C, which can lead to liver disease and subsequent splenic enlargement.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Alcoholic Liver Disease: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver cirrhosis, which is a common cause of splenomegaly due to portal hypertension.
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, often presenting with splenomegaly.
  • Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can cause the spleen to become enlarged.
  • Portal Vein Thrombosis: Clotting in the portal vein can lead to increased pressure in the spleen, causing it to enlarge.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Sickle Cell Disease: Although more common in children, adults with sickle cell disease can experience splenomegaly due to repeated splenic infarctions and fibrosis.
  • Splenic Artery Aneurysm: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Splenic Infarction: Can occur due to various reasons including emboli, thrombosis, or vasculitis, and is a medical emergency.
  • Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, it can lead to splenomegaly and has a risk of splenic rupture.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Gaucher's Disease: A genetic disorder that leads to the accumulation of harmful substances within cells, affecting the spleen among other organs.
  • Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins (amyloid) in various tissues, including the spleen.
  • Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, including the spleen, leading to splenomegaly.
  • Histiocytosis: A rare disorder caused by the abnormal proliferation of histiocytes, which can affect the spleen and cause it to become enlarged.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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