Differential Diagnosis
The patient's laboratory results show a Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) of 499, Unbound Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) of 403, Iron (Fe) level of 96, Iron Saturation (Fe Sat) of 19%, and Ferritin level of 10. Based on these results, the differential diagnosis can be categorized as follows:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: The low iron level (96), low iron saturation (19%), and low ferritin level (10) are all indicative of iron deficiency anemia. The high TIBC and UIBC levels also support this diagnosis, as they indicate an increased capacity for binding iron, which is typical in iron deficiency anemia.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Anemia of Chronic Disease: Although the ferritin level is low, which is not typical in anemia of chronic disease, some chronic diseases can cause a decrease in ferritin levels. The low iron level and low iron saturation could also be seen in anemia of chronic disease.
- Thalassemia: Some forms of thalassemia can present with low iron levels and low ferritin levels, although the TIBC and UIBC levels would typically be low or normal in thalassemia.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Hemochromatosis: Although the iron level and iron saturation are low, which is not typical in hemochromatosis, some cases of hemochromatosis can present with low ferritin levels, especially in the early stages. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Sideroblastic Anemia: This rare form of anemia can present with low iron levels and low ferritin levels, although the TIBC and UIBC levels would typically be low or normal.
- Rare diagnoses
- Atransferrinemia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by a lack of transferrin, which can lead to low iron levels and low ferritin levels.
- Aceruloplasminemia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by a lack of ceruloplasmin, which can lead to low iron levels and low ferritin levels.