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Differential Diagnosis for 17 y/o Female with Eating Disorder and Lab Abnormalities

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Anorexia Nervosa with Malnutrition: This diagnosis is the most likely given the patient's eating disorder and lab results showing low levels of lipase, amylase, calcium, and vitamin D, which are consistent with malnutrition and pancreatic insufficiency often seen in anorexia nervosa.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Bulimia Nervosa with Purging: Although less likely than anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa with frequent purging can lead to similar electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies, including low calcium and vitamin D levels.
  • Pancreatic Insufficiency: This could be a contributing factor to the low lipase and amylase levels, potentially secondary to malnutrition or another underlying condition affecting the pancreas.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Hypoparathyroidism: A rare condition that could explain the low calcium levels, and it's crucial not to miss it due to its potential for severe complications if left untreated.
  • Vitamin D-Resistant Rickets: Although rare, this condition could explain the low vitamin D and calcium levels, and missing it could lead to significant bone health issues.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, including vitamin D and calcium, and could potentially explain some of the patient's lab abnormalities.
  • Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis: Inflammatory bowel diseases that can cause malabsorption and potentially lead to similar lab findings, though they are less directly linked to eating disorders.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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