Can someone please explain what a differential diagnosis means? Is it basically an educated guess after going through a process of elimination? If, for example, someone is given a differential diagnosis of hydronephrosis and hydroureter, does that mean they definitely have one or the other? Or does it mean they might have either one or they might not have either? I've looked up the definition but I'm still confused.
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What is a differential diagnosis?
- Thread starter lilblu
- Start Date
I believe if they are trying to diagnose something that's not obvious, they will put up all the signs/symptoms/results they DO know, and come up with a list of probable diagnoses that fit those symptoms. So they've decided that hydronephrosis or hydroureter are the most probable diagnoses. And no it's not definite, as they get more information, they may add more possible conditions, or maybe decide those 2 things do not actually fit the symptoms.
It is a diagnosis based on the symptoms, or even a preliminary diagnosis. Hydronephrosis and hydroureter, are usually symptoms in themselves. Hydronephrosis is is the distension of the kidney that is usually caused by obstruction of the urine flow out of it. Hydroureter means that the ureter (tube between the kidney and bladder) is also dilated and distended because of a complete or partial obstruction. The diagnosis, then, would be what is causing the obstruction....ureteral spasm, kidney stones, ureteral stones, tumor, scar tissue, etc.
