Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis included COVID-19, influenza A and B, Hepatitis
C, HIV, tickborne illnesses, post-operative wound infection,
thromboembolic disease, and infectious endocarditis. Tickborne
illnesses, particularly Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis common in the
geographical area where the patient lives, were excluded by serology.
Post-operative wound infection and thromboembolic disease were not
evident clinically. The lack of objective synovitis on exam made
rheumatological disease less likely. Malignancy was considered in light
of the complaint of night sweats, but there was no lymphadenopathy or
weight loss.