Differential Diagnosis for Sacral Hair Patch with Weight Loss
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sacral dimple or pit with associated spinal dysraphism: This condition can cause a sacral hair patch and may be associated with other neurological symptoms, but weight loss is not a typical presenting symptom. However, it's possible that the patient has an underlying condition that's causing both the sacral hair patch and weight loss.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1): NF1 can cause skin changes, including café-au-lait spots and neurofibromas, and may be associated with a sacral hair patch. Weight loss can occur in NF1 due to various complications, such as gastrointestinal tumors.
- Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC): TSC can cause skin lesions, including shagreen patches, which can appear as a sacral hair patch. Weight loss can occur in TSC due to various complications, such as renal angiomyolipomas or gastrointestinal tumors.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Spinal cord tumor: A spinal cord tumor can cause a sacral hair patch and weight loss due to increased intracranial pressure, spinal cord compression, or metastatic disease. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment and poor outcomes.
- Cauda equina syndrome: Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition that can cause lower back pain, sciatica, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. A sacral hair patch can be a associated finding, and weight loss can occur due to chronic pain or decreased mobility.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital melanocytic nevus: A congenital melanocytic nevus can appear as a sacral hair patch and may be associated with neurocutaneous melanosis. Weight loss can occur in this condition due to various complications, such as neurological deterioration or malignant transformation.
- Spinal dysraphism with associated lipoma: This condition can cause a sacral hair patch and may be associated with other neurological symptoms, including weight loss due to chronic pain or decreased mobility.