Differential Diagnosis for Hypertension in a 16-year-old Boy
- The following differential diagnoses are organized into categories based on their likelihood and potential impact on the patient's health.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Essential Hypertension: This is the most common cause of hypertension in adolescents, accounting for approximately 80-90% of cases. It is often associated with a family history of hypertension, obesity, and other lifestyle factors.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Renal Disease: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and renal artery stenosis can cause hypertension in adolescents.
- Sleep Apnea: This condition is often associated with obesity and can contribute to the development of hypertension.
- Adrenal Disorders: Conditions such as pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperaldosteronism can cause hypertension due to excess hormone production.
- Coarctation of the Aorta: A congenital condition characterized by narrowing of the aorta, which can lead to hypertension in the upper body.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodic hypertension, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormone production can cause hypertension, and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as thyroid storm.
- Aortic Dissection: A rare but life-threatening condition that can cause hypertension and requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Renin-Dependent Hypertension: A rare condition caused by excess renin production, which can lead to hypertension.
- Liddle's Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by excess sodium absorption and hypertension.
- Gordon's Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by excess sodium absorption and hypertension.
- Neurofibromatosis: A rare genetic disorder that can cause hypertension due to renal artery stenosis or pheochromocytoma.