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Last updated: November 1, 2025View editorial policy

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Unfortunately, you haven't provided a question or symptoms to work with. However, I can guide you through a general approach to differential diagnosis using the categories you've specified. Let's consider a hypothetical scenario where the question is about a patient presenting with a fever.

Differential Diagnosis for a Patient Presenting with Fever

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Viral upper respiratory infection - This is often the most common cause of fever in the general population, especially during seasonal peaks of viral infections.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Bacterial pneumonia - A common cause of fever, especially in older adults or those with underlying health conditions.
    • Urinary tract infection - Common in both genders but more so in women, especially if symptoms like dysuria or flank pain are present.
    • Influenza - Seasonal and can cause high fever, especially during outbreaks.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
    • Sepsis - Although not the most common cause, it is critical to identify early due to its high mortality rate if not promptly treated.
    • Meningitis - Especially in patients with severe headache, stiff neck, or altered mental status.
    • Appendicitis - Abdominal pain and fever could indicate appendicitis, which requires urgent surgical intervention.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Tuberculosis - More common in immunocompromised patients or those from endemic areas.
    • Endocarditis - Fever can be a presenting symptom, especially in intravenous drug users or those with pre-existing heart conditions.
    • Brucellosis - Typically associated with exposure to infected animals or their products.

This approach can be tailored to any clinical scenario by considering the patient's symptoms, history, and risk factors. Remember, the key to a good differential diagnosis is to balance the likelihood of a condition with the potential consequences of missing it.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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