Differential Diagnosis for Intestinal Obstruction with Failure to Thrive
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel, leading to functional obstruction. It is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and can lead to failure to thrive if left untreated.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another, causing obstruction. It is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in children and can lead to failure to thrive if not promptly treated.
- Malrotation with Volvulus: A condition where the intestine twists around its mesentery, causing obstruction. It is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in children and can lead to failure to thrive if not promptly treated.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause intestinal obstruction and failure to thrive due to chronic inflammation and malabsorption.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Midgut Volvulus: A condition where the intestine twists around its mesentery, causing obstruction. It is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt surgical intervention.
- Intestinal Atresia: A congenital condition where there is a complete obstruction of the intestine. It is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt surgical intervention.
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A condition where the intestine becomes inflamed and necrotic, causing obstruction. It is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical and surgical intervention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction: A condition where there is a persistent impairment of the muscle contractions that move food through the intestine, causing obstruction. It is a rare condition that can lead to failure to thrive.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A condition where the intestine becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction, causing obstruction. It is a rare condition that can lead to failure to thrive.
- Abdominal Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause intestinal obstruction and failure to thrive. It is a rare condition that requires prompt medical and surgical intervention.