What is the diagnosis for an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patient presenting with abdominal pain, non-bloody diarrhea, non-bloody emesis, leukopenia, and a low CD4 (Cluster of Differentiation 4) count, with diffuse pancolitis on computed tomography?

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Differential Diagnosis for HIV Patient with Abdominal Pain and Non-Bloody Diarrhea

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • CMV (Cytomegalolo Virus) colitis: This is a common cause of diffuse pancolitis in HIV patients with low CD4 counts, presenting with abdominal pain, non-bloody diarrhea, and low leukocytes. CMV colitis is known to cause significant morbidity in immunocompromised patients.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Cryptosporidiosis: A common opportunistic infection in HIV patients with low CD4 counts, leading to non-bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
    • Microsporidiosis: Another opportunistic infection causing non-bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain in immunocompromised patients.
    • Mycobacterium-dessaminatum (MAP) infection: Although less common, it can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss in HIV patients with low CD4 counts.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Ischemic colitis: Although less likely, it's crucial to consider due to its high mortality rate if missed. Ischemic colitis can present with abdominal pain and non-bloody diarrhea.
    • Invasive bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella): These can cause severe illness in immunocompromised patients and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Tuberculosis: Although rare in the context of diffuse pancolitis, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients from endemic areas.
    • Lymphoma: HIV patients are at increased risk of lymph cancers, which can present with abdominal pain and non-bloody diarrhea, although this would be less common than other diagnoses listed.

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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