Jaundice Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for jaundice can be organized into the following categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral hepatitis: This is often the most common cause of jaundice, especially in adults, due to its prevalence and the fact that it can be caused by various hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E).
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gallstones: Obstruction of the bile ducts by gallstones is a common cause of jaundice, particularly in women.
- Alcoholic liver disease: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and jaundice.
- Drug-induced liver injury: Certain medications can cause liver damage, leading to jaundice.
- Biliary obstruction: Obstruction of the bile ducts due to various causes such as tumors or strictures can lead to jaundice.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pancreatic cancer: Although less common, pancreatic cancer can cause obstructive jaundice and is often fatal if not diagnosed early.
- Cholangitis: Infection of the bile ducts can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Hemolytic anemia: Conditions such as sickle cell disease or autoimmune hemolytic anemia can cause jaundice due to excessive breakdown of red blood cells.
- Wilson's disease: A genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the liver, which can cause liver damage and jaundice.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Primary biliary cirrhosis: A chronic liver disease characterized by progressive destruction of the bile ducts within the liver.
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis: A chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts.
- Caroli's disease: A rare congenital disorder of the bile ducts that can cause recurrent cholangitis and jaundice.
- Dubin-Johnson syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the transport of bilirubin in the liver, leading to chronic jaundice.
Each of these diagnoses has a distinct set of clinical features, laboratory findings, and imaging characteristics that can help guide the diagnosis and management of jaundice.