differential diagnosis of abdominal distension with splenomegaly

Answer 1

1. Liver cirrhosis: Alcoholism, hepatitis B/C, fatty liver disease, or other liver diseases can lead to liver cirrhosis, causing abdominal distension and splenomegaly.

2. Portal hypertension: Increased pressure in the portal vein due to liver cirrhosis, blood clots, or other conditions can cause splenomegaly and abdominal distension.

3. Chronic pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to abdominal distension and can also cause splenomegaly in some cases.

4. Hemolytic anemia: Conditions such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or autoimmune hemolytic anemia can cause the destruction of red blood cells, leading to splenomegaly and abdominal distension.

5. Lymphoma: Lymphomas such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's lymphoma can cause splenomegaly and abdominal distension as the cancer cells accumulate in the spleen.

6. Gaucher's disease: A rare genetic disorder characterized by the buildup of fatty substances in certain organs, including the spleen, leading to splenomegaly and abdominal distension.

7. Infectious mononucleosis: A viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that can lead to splenomegaly and abdominal distention due to enlargement of the spleen.

8. Leukemia: Cancer of the blood and bone marrow can cause an increase in white blood cells, leading to splenomegaly and abdominal distension.

9. Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron, leading to iron overload in various organs, including the spleen, and causing splenomegaly and abdominal distension.

10. Budd-Chiari syndrome: A rare condition caused by thrombosis of the hepatic veins, leading to liver congestion, portal hypertension, and splenomegaly, along with abdominal distension.