Differential Diagnosis for Enlarged Abdomen with Normal Growth Chart
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Constipation: This is a common condition in children that can cause abdominal distension due to the accumulation of feces in the intestines. It's often associated with a normal growth chart as it doesn't necessarily affect nutritional intake or absorption significantly.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Although it primarily causes symptoms like vomiting and heartburn, GERD can lead to abdominal distension in some cases due to swallowed air or delayed gastric emptying.
- Lactose intolerance or other dietary intolerances: These conditions can cause bloating and abdominal distension due to the inability to digest certain nutrients properly.
- Functional abdominal pain: A condition where abdominal pain and distension occur without an identifiable cause, often related to stress or bowel habits.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilms tumor or other abdominal tumors: Although rare, these conditions can cause abdominal enlargement and must be considered to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Hepatomegaly due to storage diseases (e.g., glycogen storage diseases): These are genetic disorders that lead to the accumulation of substances in the liver, causing it to enlarge.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, potentially leading to abdominal distension among other symptoms.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei: A rare condition characterized by recurrent mucinous ascites causing abdominal distension.
- Abdominal neurofibromatosis: Part of neurofibromatosis type 1, which can cause tumors along nerves in the abdomen, leading to distension.
- Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: A rare condition where there are symptoms of intestinal obstruction without any physical blockage, which can cause abdominal distension.