Differential Diagnosis for Colhelitiasis (Cholelithiasis)

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones, which is a common complication of cholelithiasis. Symptoms such as right upper quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis support this diagnosis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause similar abdominal pain and may be related to gallstone disease.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation, can sometimes be confused with biliary colic.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits could be mistaken for symptoms of gallstones.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Acute Pancreatitis: Gallstones can cause pancreatitis by obstructing the pancreatic duct, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and potentially life-threatening complications.
• Cholangitis: Infection of the bile ducts, which can be caused by gallstones obstructing the common bile duct, leading to jaundice, fever, and potentially severe consequences if not promptly treated.
• Hepatic Abscess: A rare but serious condition where an abscess forms in the liver, potentially as a complication of gallstone disease or biliary tract infection.

Rare Diagnoses

• Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction: A condition causing abdominal pain due to dysfunction of the sphincter controlling the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the intestine.
• Biliary Dyskinesia: A motility disorder of the gallbladder that can cause biliary-type pain without evidence of gallstones.
• Mirizzi Syndrome: A rare condition where a gallstone becomes impacted in the cystic duct, causing obstruction of the common bile duct and potentially leading to jaundice and cholangitis.