Differential Diagnosis for Hyphema
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Hyphema: This is the correct diagnosis as mentioned in the question. Hyphema refers to the accumulation of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, usually due to trauma. The presentation of blood in the anterior chamber is a hallmark of this condition.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Traumatic iritis: This condition can occur after trauma to the eye and presents with inflammation of the iris. While it doesn't directly cause blood in the anterior chamber, it can be associated with trauma and thus considered in the differential.
- Angle recession: This is a condition where the anterior chamber angle is damaged, often due to blunt trauma. It might not directly cause hyphema but can be a consequence of similar trauma.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Retinal detachment: Although less likely, retinal detachment can occur after trauma and is a medical emergency. Missing this diagnosis could lead to permanent vision loss.
- Vitreous hemorrhage: Similar to hyphema, but the blood accumulates in the vitreous body. It's crucial to differentiate between the two due to different management approaches.
- Open globe injury: A severe injury where there is a full-thickness wound through the cornea or sclera. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Uveitis: As mentioned, uveitis is an unlikely diagnosis in this context but can present with eye pain, redness, and vision changes. However, it typically does not cause blood in the anterior chamber.
- Tumor: Rarely, a tumor could cause bleeding within the eye, but this would be an uncommon presentation and usually associated with other systemic or local signs.