Differential Diagnosis for Fever with Dizziness in a Young Woman

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Viral gastroenteritis: This is a common condition that can cause fever, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The normal leukocyte and CRP levels support a viral etiology.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Although the leukocyte and CRP levels are normal, a UTI can still cause fever and dizziness, especially if the infection is mild or in its early stages.
• Viral upper respiratory tract infection: Similar to viral gastroenteritis, a viral upper respiratory tract infection can cause fever and dizziness, and the normal inflammatory markers do not rule out this diagnosis.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can cause dizziness and fever, especially if the patient has been experiencing excessive fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhea, or other reasons.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Meningitis: Although the patient's symptoms are non-specific, meningitis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Even with normal leukocyte and CRP levels, meningitis should be considered, especially if the patient has a severe headache, stiff neck, or altered mental status.
• Sepsis: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause fever, dizziness, and other non-specific symptoms. Although the patient's inflammatory markers are normal, sepsis should be considered, especially if the patient has a history of underlying medical conditions or immunosuppression.
• Pulmonary embolism: A pulmonary embolism can cause fever, dizziness, and other non-specific symptoms, and is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

• Lymphoma: Although rare, lymphoma can cause fever, dizziness, and other non-specific symptoms, and should be considered in patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms.
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is a rare condition that can cause fever, dizziness, and other non-specific symptoms, and should be considered in patients with a history of underlying heart disease or intravenous drug use.
• Neurological disorders (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome): These conditions can cause dizziness and other neurological symptoms, and although rare, should be considered in patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms.