Differential Diagnosis for a 1 Month Old Male with Projectile Vomiting
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pyloric Stenosis: This condition is characterized by the thickening of the pylorus muscle, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. It typically presents with projectile vomiting in infants around 1-5 months of age, making it the most likely diagnosis given the age and symptom.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although GERD more commonly presents with regurgitation rather than projectile vomiting, it's a common condition in infants that can cause significant discomfort and vomiting.
- Infectious Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infections can cause vomiting in infants, though the vomiting may not always be projectile.
- Overfeeding or Incorrect Feeding Technique: Overfeeding or using an incorrect feeding technique can lead to vomiting in infants.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially cutting off blood supply. It's a medical emergency that can present with vomiting, though it's more commonly associated with abdominal pain and bloody stools.
- Volvolus or Malrotation: These are intestinal obstructions that can cause severe vomiting and are life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Though rare, this condition can lead to vomiting due to poor cardiac output and should be considered, especially if there are other signs of heart failure.
Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital Anomalies (e.g., Duodenal Atresia, Tracheoesophageal Fistula): These conditions are present at birth and can cause vomiting, among other symptoms. They are less common but important to consider in the differential diagnosis.
- Metabolic Disorders: Certain metabolic disorders can present with vomiting in infancy, though they are rare and often accompanied by other systemic signs.
- Increased Intracranial Pressure: Conditions that increase intracranial pressure, such as hydrocephalus or brain tumors, can cause vomiting, though this would be extremely rare in a 1-month-old infant without other significant neurological signs.