Physical examination findings | Implications |
Aphthous stomatitis | |
Stomatitis/glossitis/angular cheilitis | - B-complex vitamin deficiency secondary to malabsorption
|
Diaper/perianal rash | - Acidic stools – Carbohydrate malabsorption
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica – Zinc deficiency
|
Cutaneous rashes | - Dermatitis herpetiformis – Celiac disease
- Erythema nodosum – IBD
- Pyoderma gangrenosum – IBD
|
Loss of subcutaneous fat and muscle loss | |
Perianal fistula | |
Abdominal tenderness | - Inflamed organs or peritoneum (IBD, vasculitis, and others)
|
Abdominal distension | - Excessive gas – Carbohydrate fermentation, malabsorption, or SIBO
- Ascites – Suggest liver or PLE
|
Peripheral edema | |
Koilonychia (spoon nails) | - Iron deficiency secondary to malabsorption (also may be idiopathic)
|
Xeroderma, dry skin | - Essential fatty acid deficiency secondary to malabsorption
|