Differential Diagnosis for Deranged Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Autoimmune Hepatitis: This is a likely cause of deranged LFTs, especially if the patient has a history of autoimmune disorders or has been experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Autoimmune hepatitis can cause elevated liver enzymes, and the diagnosis can be confirmed with liver biopsy and autoimmune markers.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Azathioprine-induced Hepatotoxicity: Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication that can cause liver damage, leading to deranged LFTs. This is a common side effect of the medication, especially at high doses or with prolonged use.
• Drug-induced Liver Injury (DILI): Other medications, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and statins, can also cause liver damage and deranged LFTs.
• Viral Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B or C, can cause liver inflammation and deranged LFTs.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Wilson's Disease: This is a rare genetic disorder that can cause liver damage and deranged LFTs. If left untreated, Wilson's disease can lead to liver failure and death.
• Budd-Chiari Syndrome: This is a rare condition that causes blood clots to form in the hepatic veins, leading to liver damage and deranged LFTs. If left untreated, Budd-Chiari syndrome can lead to liver failure and death.
• Acute Liver Failure: This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Causes of acute liver failure include viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and ischemic liver injury.

Rare Diagnoses

• Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): This is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes liver damage and deranged LFTs.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): This is a rare condition that causes scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts, leading to liver damage and deranged LFTs.
• Hemochromatosis: This is a rare genetic disorder that causes iron overload, leading to liver damage and deranged LFTs.