diagnosis of exclusion


A disease or clinical nosology that is rare or unexpected based on the patient’s details and often unresponsive to therapy, the diagnosis of which is seriously considered only when all other possible—potentially treatable conditions—e.g., 'growing pains' or idiopathic midline granuloma—have been completely excluded

diagnosis of exclusion

Decision-making A disease or clinical nosology that is extremely rare, and often unresponsive to therapy, the diagnosis of which is seriously considered only when all other possible–potentially treatable conditions–eg 'growing pains' or idiopathic midline granuloma, have been completely excluded. Cf Working diagnosis.