Differential Diagnosis for 3 Month Old with Bloody Stools
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Allergic Proctocolitis: This condition is a common cause of bloody stools in infants, often associated with milk protein allergy or other dietary intolerances. The presence of blood in the stool, especially if it's mixed with mucus, and the age of the patient make this a leading consideration.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Anal Fissure: A tear in the anal mucosa can cause painful, bloody stools. This is a common issue in infants due to hard stools or constipation.
- Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infections can lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in bloody stools among other symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
- Intussusception: Although more common in older infants, this condition, where a part of the intestine slides into another, can cause bloody stools and is a significant concern due to the risk of intestinal obstruction.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel, leading to severe constipation and potentially enterocolitis, which can cause bloody stools. Early diagnosis is crucial for management.
- Intestinal Malrotation with Volvulus: A condition where the intestine twists, cutting off its blood supply. This is a surgical emergency and can present with bloody stools among other symptoms like vomiting and abdominal distension.
- Infectious Colitis (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella): Certain bacterial infections can cause severe diarrhea and bloody stools. Identifying these pathogens is critical for appropriate antibiotic treatment and public health measures.
Rare Diagnoses
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can cause bleeding due to the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa. It's a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in infants.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are rare in infants but can present with bloody stools, diarrhea, and failure to thrive.
- Vascular Anomalies: Rare conditions like hemangiomas or arteriovenous malformations in the gastrointestinal tract can cause bleeding and bloody stools.