Differential Diagnosis for Lymphadenopathy
The patient presents with recurrent sore throat and cervical lymphadenopathy, which resolved with symptomatic treatment. The following differential diagnoses are considered:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Reactive lymphadenopathy: This is the most likely cause of the patient's lymphadenopathy, given the recurrent episodes of sore throat and lymph node enlargement that resolve with symptomatic treatment. The lack of systemic symptoms, negative HIV and rapid plasma reagin tests, and unremarkable complete blood count support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Infectious mononucleosis: Although the patient's symptoms and laboratory results do not strongly suggest infectious mononucleosis, it is still a possible cause of lymphadenopathy, particularly given the patient's history of hepatitis C and potential for immune system dysfunction.
- Toxoplasmosis: This parasitic infection can cause lymphadenopathy, but it is less likely in this case due to the lack of exposure history and negative rapid plasma reagin test.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Lymphoma: Although the patient's lymphadenopathy is likely reactive, lymphoma is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be considered, particularly given the patient's history of hepatitis C, which increases the risk of lymphoma.
- Tuberculosis: This infectious disease can cause lymphadenopathy, and although the patient's symptoms and laboratory results do not strongly suggest tuberculosis, it is essential to consider this diagnosis due to its potential severity and the patient's history of smoking.
- Rare diagnoses
- Castleman disease: This rare lymphoproliferative disorder can cause lymphadenopathy, but it is unlikely in this case due to the lack of systemic symptoms and unremarkable laboratory results.
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: This rare condition can cause lymphadenopathy, but it is typically seen in young women and is unlikely in this case due to the patient's demographics and clinical presentation.