Differential Diagnosis for 36 year old female with pain and swelling in left leg
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This is a common condition that can cause pain and swelling in one leg, especially in a relatively young adult. The symptoms of DVT can develop suddenly or gradually over time, which fits the patient's one-month history.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected leg. It's a common condition that could explain the patient's symptoms.
- Muscle strain or injury: Overuse or direct injury to the muscles in the leg can lead to pain and swelling, which might not be immediately recognized as such by the patient.
- Varicose veins: While more common in older adults, varicose veins can cause leg swelling and pain, especially if they become inflamed or thrombosed.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Pulmonary embolism (if DVT is present): Although the primary concern is the leg, a DVT can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
- Compartment syndrome: A serious condition resulting from increased pressure within a muscle compartment, which can lead to muscle and nerve damage if not promptly treated.
- Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis: Infections of the bone or joint, respectively, which are less common but can have severe consequences if not diagnosed and treated appropriately.
- Rare diagnoses
- Lymphedema: A condition characterized by chronic swelling due to impaired lymphatic drainage, which could be primary (inherited) or secondary (due to another condition or surgery).
- Popliteal artery aneurysm or other vascular anomalies: Although rare, these conditions can cause leg swelling and pain due to impaired blood flow.
- Soft tissue sarcoma: A rare type of cancer that can present with a painful swelling in the leg, which would be an unusual but important diagnosis to consider.