Differential Diagnosis: Involuntary weight loss is associated with increase
d mortality and morbidity. Differential diagnosis includes more than 50 dis
ease entities; therefore the diagnostic strategy is determined by additiona
l symptoms.
The syndrome of "consumption", i. e. weight loss as an isolated symptom or
together with malaise, may indicate tumors (lung, pancreas, kidney cancer,
malignant lymphoma), infections (tuberculosis, HIV), immunologic diseases (
lupus erythematosus, vasculitis), hyperthyroidism, extraintestinal Crohn's
disease, or psychogenic diseases (depression, psychogenic eating disorders)
.
Conclusion: Recognition of the underlying disease is often delayed by a lac
k of awareness for weight changes, both by physicians and by patients. Nutr
itional counselling and treatment should be initiated in time.