Differential Diagnosis for Hematoma and Bruising
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trauma: This is the most likely diagnosis, as hematoma and bruising are common results of physical injury, such as falls, accidents, or assaults. The presence of a hematoma indicates bleeding into the tissues, which is often caused by trauma.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Coagulopathy: Disorders that affect blood clotting, such as hemophilia or vitamin K deficiency, can lead to hematoma and bruising due to the body's inability to form proper blood clots.
- Vascular Disorders: Conditions like vasculitis or blood vessel malformations can cause bleeding into the tissues, resulting in hematoma and bruising.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) or antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Infection: Infections, such as sepsis or abscesses, can cause inflammation and bleeding, leading to hematoma and bruising.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Abuse or Neglect: It is crucial to consider the possibility of abuse or neglect, especially in vulnerable populations like children or the elderly, as hematoma and bruising can be signs of non-accidental trauma.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, can cause bleeding and bruising due to bone marrow suppression or coagulopathy.
- Sepsis: Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by an overwhelming infection, can lead to bleeding and bruising due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects connective tissue, leading to fragile blood vessels and increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: A rare genetic disorder that affects the elastic fibers in skin, eyes, and blood vessels, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins (amyloid) in various tissues, which can cause bleeding and bruising due to blood vessel damage.