Differential Diagnosis for 10-month-old with Grey Green Stools
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of grey green stools in infants, often due to viral infections. The change in stool color can be accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Intussusception: Although more commonly associated with bloody stools, intussusception can sometimes present with changes in stool color due to intestinal obstruction. It's a condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause bowel obstruction and ischemia.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While GERD typically presents with symptoms of reflux and vomiting, it can occasionally lead to changes in stool color due to the regurgitation of bile.
- Food Intolerance or Allergy: Infants with an intolerance or allergy to certain foods (like milk protein) can exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, including changes in stool color.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intestinal Malrotation with Volvulus: A life-threatening condition where the intestine twists, cutting off its blood supply. Early signs can include vomiting, abdominal distension, and changes in stool, including color.
- Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel, leading to obstruction. It typically presents with constipation, but in some cases, especially in infants, it can cause diarrhea or changes in stool color.
- Biliary Atresia: A condition where the bile ducts are blocked, leading to liver damage. It presents with jaundice, but can also cause pale or clay-colored stools due to the lack of bile.
Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital Chloridorrhea: A rare genetic disorder affecting chloride transport in the intestine, leading to chronic diarrhea with high chloride content, which can cause changes in stool color.
- Congenital Infections: Certain congenital infections, such as congenital syphilis or CMV, can affect the gastrointestinal system and potentially cause changes in stool color, although this is less common.
- Other Metabolic Disorders: Various metabolic disorders can affect the gastrointestinal system, potentially leading to changes in stool color, though these are rare and often present with other systemic symptoms.