Differential Diagnosis for Elevated AST, Bilirubin, and Alkaline Phosphatase
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Hepatitis: This condition is a common cause of elevated liver enzymes (AST) and bilirubin. The elevation in alkaline phosphatase, although mild, can also be seen in viral hepatitis, especially if there's some degree of cholestasis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: Elevated AST levels are common in alcoholic liver disease, often with a ratio of AST to ALT greater than 2. The increase in bilirubin can indicate liver dysfunction, and alkaline phosphatase can be mildly elevated.
- Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Many drugs can cause liver injury, leading to elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. The pattern of enzyme elevation can vary depending on the drug.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Although typically associated with milder elevations in liver enzymes, NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may cause more significant enzyme elevations and liver dysfunction.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Biliary Obstruction: This condition can cause a significant elevation in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. Although AST might not be as prominently elevated, any obstruction (e.g., gallstones, tumor) needs to be promptly identified and treated to prevent liver damage.
- Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder leading to copper accumulation in the liver, which can cause liver enzyme elevations, including AST and alkaline phosphatase, and an increase in bilirubin due to hemolysis.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: Can present with elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. It's crucial to diagnose and treat this condition to prevent liver failure.
Rare Diagnoses
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A rare condition caused by thrombosis of the hepatic veins, leading to liver enlargement, ascites, and liver dysfunction, which can result in elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): An autoimmune disease of the liver characterized by a progressive destruction of the bile ducts within the liver, leading to cholestasis and, eventually, liver cirrhosis. It predominantly affects women and can present with elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin.
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): A chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. It can lead to elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin, and it's often associated with inflammatory bowel disease.