Differential Diagnosis for a Lady with Breathlessness and Uveitis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sarcoidosis: This is a systemic granulomatous disease that can affect multiple organs, including the lungs (causing breathlessness) and the eyes (causing uveitis). It is a common cause of both symptoms and often presents in young to middle-aged adults.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB can cause both pulmonary symptoms (leading to breathlessness) and ocular symptoms (including uveitis). It's a significant consideration, especially in areas where TB is prevalent.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): While more commonly associated with joint symptoms, RA can also cause lung issues (such as interstitial lung disease) and uveitis, making it a plausible diagnosis for someone presenting with both breathlessness and eye inflammation.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): This chronic inflammatory disease primarily affects the spine but can also cause uveitis and, less commonly, lung issues that might lead to breathlessness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, GPA): This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, affecting various organs including the lungs and eyes. It's critical to diagnose early due to its potential for severe complications.
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause systemic symptoms, including breathlessness if there is lung involvement, and uveitis. Given the potential severity of lymphoma, it's essential not to miss this diagnosis.
- Infectious Endocarditis: Although less directly linked to both symptoms, infectious endocarditis can cause systemic emboli that might affect the lungs and eyes, leading to the patient's symptoms. It's a diagnosis that requires prompt treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Behçet's Disease: A rare condition that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body, leading to symptoms like uveitis and, less commonly, lung issues that could cause breathlessness.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: This rare autoimmune disorder can cause inflammation in various cartilaginous structures, including the trachea and eyes, potentially leading to the symptoms described.
- Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease: A rare condition characterized by inflammation in various parts of the body, including the eyes (causing uveitis), skin, and meninges, and can also involve the lungs, leading to breathlessness.