Differential Diagnosis for a 15-year-old Male with Difficulty Breathing
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN): Given the history of bipedal edema, knee pain, and calf pain that spontaneously resolved a month prior, followed by difficulty breathing, PSGN is a strong consideration. The initial symptoms could be indicative of a post-infectious complication affecting the kidneys, which can lead to fluid overload and subsequent respiratory distress.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF): The patient's symptoms of joint pain (knee and calf) and subsequent respiratory issues could also suggest ARF, especially if there was a recent streptococcal infection. ARF can lead to cardiac involvement, which might explain the breathing difficulties.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Although less likely given the spontaneous resolution of edema, nephrotic syndrome could cause edema and potentially lead to respiratory complications if severe.
- Infectious Mononucleosis: Given the age of the patient and the potential for respiratory involvement, infectious mononucleosis (caused by Epstein-Barr virus) could be considered, especially if there are other systemic symptoms like fever or lymphadenopathy.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although less common in teenagers, PE is a life-threatening condition that must be considered, especially with symptoms of difficulty breathing. The recent history of leg pain could be indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a precursor to PE.
- Cardiac Tamponade: If there's any suspicion of cardiac involvement (e.g., from ARF or other cardiac conditions), cardiac tamponade must be ruled out due to its high mortality rate if not promptly treated.
- Sickle Cell Crisis: If the patient has sickle cell disease, a crisis could explain both the initial pain episodes and the current respiratory distress.
Rare Diagnoses
- Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease that affects the lungs and kidneys, causing bleeding in the lungs and kidney inflammation. It's rare but should be considered in cases of unexplained renal and pulmonary symptoms.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, GPA): A rare autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of the body, including the lungs and kidneys, and could potentially explain the patient's symptoms.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can cause respiratory and systemic symptoms, although this would be less likely given the acute presentation and the specific pattern of symptoms described.