Differential Diagnosis for a 14-year-old Male with Fever, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, and Jaundice
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Hepatitis (despite negative viral markers): Although the viral markers for Hepatitis A and E are negative, the clinical presentation of fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice, along with elevated liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT), could still suggest a viral hepatitis, possibly due to other hepatitis viruses (e.g., Hepatitis B or C, which might not have been tested for) or due to a false-negative result. The liver function tests (LFTs) showing elevated bilirubin and transaminases support this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Drug-induced Liver Injury (DILI): The patient's symptoms and LFT abnormalities could be consistent with DILI, especially if the patient has been exposed to certain medications or substances that are known to cause liver injury. The pattern of liver enzyme elevation (elevated SGOT and SGPT) can be seen in DILI.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: Although less common in adolescents, autoimmune hepatitis could present with similar symptoms and LFT abnormalities. The absence of viral markers and the presence of significant liver enzyme elevation make this a consideration.
- Wilson's Disease: This genetic disorder can cause liver disease, including hepatitis and liver failure, and could present with similar symptoms. However, it would typically have other manifestations and might show a different pattern on LFTs, including a low alkaline phosphatase level and a high urinary copper level.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Leptospirosis (despite negative Leptospira IgM): Although the IgM for Leptospira is negative, leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice, and can lead to severe complications like liver and kidney failure if not treated promptly. False-negative results can occur, especially if the test is done too early in the course of the disease.
- Sepsis or Bacterial Sepsis: The patient's presentation could be indicative of a systemic infection leading to sepsis, which can cause liver dysfunction among other symptoms. It's crucial to consider and rule out bacterial sepsis due to its high mortality rate if untreated.
- Malaria: Depending on the geographical location and exposure history, malaria could present with similar symptoms and affect the liver, leading to elevated LFTs.
Rare Diagnoses
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A rare condition caused by thrombosis of the hepatic veins, leading to liver dysfunction, which could present with abdominal pain, jaundice, and ascites.
- Veno-occlusive Disease (VOD): Also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, it's a rare condition that can cause liver dysfunction, typically seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy or with certain exposures.
- Ischemic Hepatitis: Caused by a reduction in blood flow to the liver, leading to liver cell injury, which could present with elevated LFTs and jaundice in severe cases.
Each of these diagnoses requires careful consideration of the patient's clinical presentation, laboratory results, and exposure history to determine the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approach.