Differential Diagnosis for a 9-year-old with a Protruding Abdomen
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Constipation: This is a common issue in children that can cause abdominal distension due to the accumulation of feces in the intestines. It's often related to dietary habits, hydration, and bowel movement regularity.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Obesity: An increasingly common condition in children, obesity can cause a protruding abdomen due to excess fat accumulation.
- Gastroenteritis: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to bloating and abdominal distension.
- Lactose Intolerance or Other Dietary Intolerances: These can cause bloating, gas, and abdominal distension due to the inability to digest certain food components properly.
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome): These disorders can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilms Tumor: A type of kidney cancer that can present with a palpable abdominal mass, it's crucial to identify early for effective treatment.
- Neuroblastoma: A cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, it can cause abdominal distension if the tumor is located in the abdomen.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage that prevents normal flow of the products of digestion, which can lead to severe abdominal distension, pain, and vomiting.
- Hepatomegaly or Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the liver or spleen, respectively, can cause abdominal distension and may be due to various underlying conditions, including infections, cancers, or metabolic disorders.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can lead to malabsorption and abdominal distension among other symptoms.
- Abdominal Lymphangioma: A rare, benign tumor that consists of abnormal growth of lymphatic vessels, which can cause abdominal distension.
- Prune Belly Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by the absence or severe weakness of the abdominal muscles, which can lead to a protruding abdomen.
- Mucopolysaccharidosis: A group of metabolic disorders caused by the absence or malfunctioning of enzymes needed to break down sugar molecules, leading to accumulation of these molecules in the body and potentially causing abdominal distension among other symptoms.