Differential Diagnosis for Fever and Cervical Lymphadenopathy
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), this condition is characterized by fever, sore throat, and cervical lymphadenopathy, making it a common and likely diagnosis in patients presenting with these symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Streptococcal Pharyngitis: This bacterial infection can cause fever, sore throat, and cervical lymphadenopathy, especially in children and young adults.
- Tuberculosis (TB): Although less common in some regions, TB can cause cervical lymphadenopathy and fever, particularly in individuals with risk factors such as immunocompromised states or exposure to TB.
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy, especially in older adults or those with a history of immunosuppression.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- HIV Infection: Acute HIV infection can present with fever, lymphadenopathy, and sore throat, making it crucial to consider in the differential diagnosis due to its significant implications for patient management and public health.
- Cat-Scratch Disease: Caused by Bartonella henselae, this infection can lead to fever, lymphadenopathy, and a history of cat scratch or bite, which is often overlooked but important to diagnose due to its potential for serious complications if not treated.
- Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, and a history of recent pharyngitis, followed by jugular vein thrombosis and septicemia, typically due to Fusobacterium necrophorum.
Rare Diagnoses
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A rare, self-limiting condition that presents with fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, and night sweats, more commonly seen in young Asian women.
- Castleman Disease: A rare lymphoproliferative disorder that can cause fever, lymphadenopathy, and systemic symptoms, often requiring specific diagnostic tests for identification.
- Toxoplasmosis: In immunocompetent individuals, toxoplasmosis can occasionally cause cervical lymphadenopathy and fever, although it is more commonly associated with asymptomatic infection or disease in immunocompromised patients.