Differential Diagnosis for a 22-year-old Male Patient
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Hepatitis: The patient's presentation with fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, and significantly elevated liver functions (> 10 times the upper limits of normal) suggests a diagnosis of viral hepatitis. The acute onset and the combination of symptoms are consistent with hepatitis A, B, or C, although hepatitis B and C are less likely to present so acutely without a known risk factor.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Influenza with Secondary Hepatic Involvement: Influenza can cause elevated liver enzymes, especially in severe cases. The patient's symptoms of fever, cough, and systemic illness could be consistent with influenza, with the liver involvement being secondary.
- Mononucleosis (Infectious Mononucleosis): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), this condition can present with fever, nausea, vomiting, and significantly elevated liver enzymes. It is common in young adults and could fit the patient's presentation.
- Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy is not applicable here but other causes of acute liver injury such as Drug-induced Liver Injury or Toxin Exposure should be considered, especially if the patient has a history of drug use or exposure to hepatotoxic substances.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilson's Disease: Although rare, Wilson's disease can present acutely with liver dysfunction and should be considered, especially if there's a family history. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe and irreversible liver damage.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: This condition can present with acute liver failure and should be considered, especially if other causes are ruled out. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent liver failure.
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: This rare condition, caused by hepatic vein thrombosis, can present with acute liver dysfunction and should be considered, especially if the patient has risk factors for thrombosis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Leptospirosis: A zoonotic infection that can cause liver dysfunction among other symptoms. It's rare but should be considered if the patient has been exposed to contaminated water or has a relevant travel history.
- Malaria: In areas where malaria is endemic, it can cause liver dysfunction and should be considered, especially if the patient has recently traveled to such an area.
- Hantavirus: Can cause severe illness with liver involvement, though it's very rare and typically associated with specific geographic locations and exposure to rodents or their droppings.