Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 22, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for 27-year-old African-American Female with Nausea and Vomiting

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Given the patient's history of cyclical vomiting and marijuana use, this condition is a strong consideration. The syndrome is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe vomiting in long-term users of cannabis, which aligns with the patient's symptoms and history.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The wall thickening of the esophagus and stomach, as seen on the MRI, could suggest chronic inflammation consistent with GERD, which might contribute to the patient's nausea and vomiting.
  • Hepatic Congestion: The CT findings of extensive peripheral predominant hepatic congestion and periportal edema could indicate a problem with blood flow through the liver, possibly due to cardiac issues or other causes of increased pressure in the hepatic veins.
  • Cholelithiasis: Although there's no evidence of cholecystitis, the presence of lithiasis (gallstones) could potentially cause intermittent symptoms of nausea and vomiting, especially if the stones are obstructing the bile ducts.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Budd-Chiari Syndrome: This condition, characterized by hepatic vein thrombosis, could explain the hepatic congestion and periportal edema seen on the CT scan. It's a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Portal Vein Thrombosis: Similar to Budd-Chiari Syndrome, portal vein thrombosis could cause the observed CT findings and is a serious condition that needs to be ruled out.
  • Hepatic Artery Aneurysm or Thrombosis: These conditions could lead to the region of relative hypo-enhancement within the liver and are critical to diagnose due to their potential for severe complications.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Vascular Malformations or Tumors: Rare vascular malformations or tumors within the liver could potentially cause the observed imaging findings, including the hypoattenuating lesion and hepatic congestion.
  • Sickle Cell Disease with Hepatic Crisis: Given the patient's African-American background, sickle cell disease could be a consideration, especially if she has a history of the condition. A hepatic crisis could present with similar symptoms and imaging findings.
  • Wilson's Disease: This rare genetic disorder leads to copper accumulation in the liver and could potentially cause liver dysfunction and the observed imaging abnormalities, although it would typically present with more chronic symptoms and possibly neurological manifestations.

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.