Differential Diagnosis for Circumferential Vaginal Ulcers and Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Behçet's disease: This condition is characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, and it can also cause iron deficiency anemia due to chronic inflammation and potential gastrointestinal involvement. The presence of circumferential vaginal ulcers is particularly suggestive of Behçet's disease.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause iron deficiency anemia due to chronic blood loss and malabsorption. They can also lead to extraintestinal manifestations, including genital ulcers.
- Vulvar lichen planus: This is an autoimmune condition that can cause vulvar ulcers and is associated with iron deficiency anemia in some cases.
- Vulvar aphthous ulcers: Similar to oral aphthous ulcers, these can be recurrent and may be associated with systemic conditions that also lead to iron deficiency anemia.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignancy (e.g., vulvar or vaginal cancer): Although less common, these conditions can present with ulcers and cause iron deficiency anemia due to chronic bleeding. Missing a diagnosis of cancer could have severe consequences.
- Infectious diseases (e.g., syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum): Certain sexually transmitted infections can cause genital ulcers and systemic symptoms, including anemia.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome: A severe skin and mucous membrane disorder that can cause genital ulcers, among other symptoms. It is often drug-induced and can be life-threatening.
- Chronic bullous disease of childhood (CBDC): Although rare and more common in children, it can present with genital ulcers and other mucocutaneous lesions.
- Erythema multiforme: An immune-mediated condition that can cause mucosal ulcers, including in the genital area, and is sometimes associated with systemic symptoms like anemia.