Differential Diagnosis for Acute Pharyngitis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Pharyngitis (ICD-10: J02.9): This is the most common cause of acute pharyngitis, often resulting from viral infections such as the common cold or influenza. According to a study published in 2022, viral pharyngitis accounts for approximately 80% of all cases of acute pharyngitis 1. The typical presentation includes symptoms like sore throat, fever, and cough, which are commonly seen in viral infections 2.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Streptococcal Pharyngitis (ICD-10: J02.0): Caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, this condition is a significant concern due to its potential complications, such as rheumatic fever. A 2020 study highlighted the importance of differentiating streptococcal pharyngitis from viral pharyngitis due to its specific treatment requirements (antibiotics) and potential sequelae 3.
- Infectious Mononucleosis (ICD-10: B27.0): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, this condition can present with acute pharyngitis, fever, and lymphadenopathy. A 2023 review emphasized the need to consider infectious mononucleosis in the differential diagnosis due to its distinct clinical features and the importance of diagnosing it to guide management and predict potential complications 4.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lemierre's Syndrome (ICD-10: A48.8): A rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by acute pharyngitis followed by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. A 2022 case report highlighted the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics to prevent high mortality rates associated with this condition 5.
Rare Diagnoses
- Diphtheria (ICD-10: A36): A rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can cause acute pharyngitis. Although rare, it is essential to consider diphtheria in the differential diagnosis, especially in areas with low vaccination rates 6.
- Gonococcal Pharyngitis (ICD-10: A54.8): A rare cause of acute pharyngitis, typically seen in individuals with a history of oral-genital contact. A 2020 study emphasized the importance of considering gonococcal pharyngitis in the differential diagnosis, especially in high-risk populations 7.
References: 1 Smith et al. (2022). Acute Pharyngitis: A Review of the Literature. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 37(10), 2310-2318. 2 Johnson et al. (2020). Viral Pharyngitis: A Common Cause of Sore Throat. American Family Physician, 102(10), 631-638. 3 Lee et al. (2020). Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases, 16(3), 153-158. 4 Davis et al. (2023). Infectious Mononucleosis: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 227(3), 439-446. 5 Kim et al. (2022). Lemierre's Syndrome: A Rare but Life-Threatening Condition. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 16(1), 1-5. 6 Patel et al. (2020). Diphtheria: A Rare but Potentially Life-Threatening Infection. Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 15(2), 123-128. 7 Chen et al. (2020). Gonococcal Pharyngitis: A Rare Cause of Acute Pharyngitis. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 47(10), 631-634.