Differential Diagnosis for Anteroseptal Infarct
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Myocardial infarction (MI) due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of an anteroseptal infarct, which is a common location for MI due to occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cardiac sarcoidosis: This condition can cause inflammation and scarring in the heart, leading to abnormal electrical activity and potentially mimicking an infarct pattern on imaging.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle can cause damage to the anteroseptal region, leading to a similar appearance on imaging as an infarct.
- Cardiomyopathy (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy): Certain types of cardiomyopathy can cause thickening or scarring of the heart muscle, potentially leading to an anteroseptal infarct pattern.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): A large PE can cause acute right ventricular strain and potentially lead to an anteroseptal infarct pattern on imaging due to the strain on the right ventricle.
- Aortic dissection: An aortic dissection can cause occlusion of the coronary arteries, leading to an MI, including an anteroseptal infarct.
- Coronary artery anomaly: An anomalous coronary artery can cause ischemia or infarction due to compression or kinking of the artery.
Rare Diagnoses
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: This condition, also known as "stress cardiomyopathy," can cause a reversible form of heart failure and potentially lead to an anteroseptal infarct pattern on imaging.
- Coronary artery spasm: Spasm of the coronary arteries can cause ischemia or infarction, including an anteroseptal infarct.
- Vasculitis (e.g., Kawasaki disease): Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause damage to the coronary arteries, potentially leading to an anteroseptal infarct.