Differential Diagnosis for Fever, Icterus, and Abdominal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Hepatitis: This is a common cause of fever, icterus (jaundice), and abdominal pain, particularly in the right upper quadrant. Viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis A, B, or C) can lead to liver inflammation, which presents with these symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cholangitis: Infection of the bile duct, which can cause fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain. It often occurs in the setting of bile duct obstruction.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, which can present with fever, jaundice (if a stone obstructs the common bile duct), and right upper quadrant abdominal pain.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes jaundice if the pancreatic inflammation affects the bile duct.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hepatic Abscess: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition where an abscess forms in the liver. It can present with fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Sepsis from a Hepatobiliary Source: Sepsis arising from an infection in the liver or biliary system, which is a medical emergency.
- Malignant Obstruction of the Bile Duct: Obstruction of the bile duct by a tumor, which can cause jaundice, fever (if infected), and abdominal pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis): A rare bacterial infection that can cause fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain, among other symptoms. It's more common in individuals exposed to contaminated water.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: A chronic disease where the body's immune system attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and potentially causing fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A rare condition caused by obstruction of the hepatic veins, which can lead to liver enlargement, ascites, and abdominal pain, with potential for fever and jaundice.