Differential Diagnosis for 22M with Right Sided Chest Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Although less common in young individuals, the presence of jaw pain and radiation to the back are classic symptoms of myocardial infarction, which cannot be ruled out without further investigation.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Musculoskeletal pain: The patient's symptoms could be attributed to musculoskeletal issues, such as costochondritis or muscle strain, which are common causes of chest pain.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause chest pain that radiates to the back and jaw, especially if the patient has a history of acid reflux.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): Although less likely in a young individual without risk factors, PE can cause sudden onset chest pain that wakes a patient from sleep.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Aortic dissection: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention, aortic dissection can cause severe chest pain that radiates to the back and jaw.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): As mentioned earlier, PE is a potentially life-threatening condition that should not be missed.
- Esophageal rupture: A rare but deadly condition that can cause severe chest pain, especially if the patient has a history of forceful vomiting or other esophageal trauma.
- Rare diagnoses
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden onset chest pain, although it is less likely in the absence of trauma or underlying lung disease.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium can cause chest pain that radiates to the jaw and back, although it is relatively rare in young individuals without underlying conditions.