Differential Diagnosis for a 70-year-old patient with altered sensorium and D12 fracture
Single most likely diagnosis
- Sepsis: Given the patient's altered sensorium, chronic liver disease, and elevated creatinine, sepsis is a highly plausible diagnosis. The non-oliguric state could be indicative of early sepsis or septic shock, which can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) and altered mental status.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): With a creatinine level of 3.03, AKI is a likely diagnosis. The non-oliguric state suggests that the kidneys are still producing urine, but the elevated creatinine indicates impaired renal function.
- Chronic Liver Disease with Hepatic Encephalopathy: The patient's chronic liver disease, as revealed by the USG whole abdomen, could be contributing to the altered sensorium through hepatic encephalopathy, a condition where liver dysfunction leads to cognitive disturbances.
- Spinal Cord Injury or Compression: The D12 fracture could be causing spinal cord injury or compression, leading to altered sensorium and potentially affecting renal function due to associated trauma or bleeding.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: Although less likely given the context, an intracranial hemorrhage could present with altered sensorium and should be considered, especially in the context of trauma (e.g., from the fall that caused the D12 fracture).
- Medication Overdose or Toxicity: Certain medications or toxins can cause altered mental status and should be considered, especially in elderly patients who may be more susceptible to drug side effects.
- Infection (e.g., Pneumonia, Urinary Tract Infection): Infections are common in elderly patients and can present with non-specific symptoms such as altered sensorium. Given the patient's chronic conditions, an underlying infection could be contributing to the current state.
Rare diagnoses
- Wernicke's Encephalopathy: A rare but potentially reversible cause of altered sensorium, especially in patients with chronic liver disease or malnutrition.
- Porphyria: A group of rare disorders that can cause neurological symptoms, including altered mental status, abdominal pain, and potentially renal impairment.
- Multiple Myeloma with Renal Impairment: Although less common, multiple myeloma could explain the renal impairment and, in rare cases, contribute to altered sensorium through hypercalcemia or other mechanisms.