Differential Diagnosis for Acute Uveitis with Genital Lesions
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Reactive Arthritis (Reiter's Syndrome): This condition is characterized by the classic triad of arthritis, urethritis, and uveitis, often following a genital or gastrointestinal infection. The presence of acute uveitis along with genital lesions makes this a highly plausible diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Behçet's Disease: A form of vasculitis that can cause uveitis, genital ulcers, and other systemic symptoms. It's a strong consideration given the combination of uveitis and genital lesions.
- Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disease that can manifest with uveitis and skin lesions, among other symptoms. While it doesn't typically cause genital ulcers, it can cause skin lesions that might be mistaken for genital lesions or could be part of a broader dermatological presentation.
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection: Can cause both ocular (uveitis) and genital lesions. The presence of these two symptoms could suggest an HSV infection, especially if the patient has a history of recurrent episodes.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Syphilis: Particularly in its secondary stage, syphilis can cause a wide range of symptoms including uveitis and genital lesions (chancre). Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe long-term consequences, including neurological and cardiovascular complications.
- Lyme Disease: Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease can lead to ocular manifestations like uveitis and can also cause skin lesions (erythema migrans). While less common, it's a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its potential for serious long-term effects if untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Blau Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by the triad of granulomatous dermatitis, symmetric arthritis, and recurrent uveitis. While it's very rare, it could be considered in cases where there's a family history or other suggestive symptoms.
- Crohn's Disease: Primarily a gastrointestinal disease, but it can have extraintestinal manifestations including uveitis and, less commonly, skin lesions that might be mistaken for genital lesions. It's a rare consideration but should be kept in mind, especially if there are gastrointestinal symptoms.