Erythromelalgia Differential Diagnosis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Erythromelalgia: This is the most direct diagnosis given the question, as erythromelalgia is a disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet. It can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary, associated with other conditions like myeloproliferative disorders.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition can cause similar symptoms due to reduced blood flow to the limbs, leading to pain, especially during exercise.
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: Characterized by vasospasm of the arteries to the fingers and toes, it can cause pain, discoloration, and temperature changes, similar to erythromelalgia.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that most often affects one limb after an injury or trauma, with symptoms including burning pain and changes in skin temperature and color.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can cause redness, warmth, and pain in the affected limb, which could be mistaken for erythromelalgia. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe consequences, including pulmonary embolism.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain, which might be confused with erythromelalgia. It requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent serious complications.
- Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger's Disease): A rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs, which can cause pain, claudication, and other symptoms similar to erythromelalgia. It's crucial to diagnose and manage to prevent limb loss.
Rare Diagnoses
- Erythromelalgia as a symptom of a myeloproliferative neoplasm: While not the primary diagnosis, erythromelalgia can be associated with underlying myeloproliferative disorders like polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia.
- Neurological disorders: Certain rare neurological conditions can mimic the symptoms of erythromelalgia, such as small fiber neuropathy or other neuropathic pain syndromes.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can occasionally present with symptoms that might be confused with erythromelalgia, although this is less common.