Differential Diagnosis for Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) due to Ischemic Heart Disease: This is the most likely diagnosis given the classic monomorphic appearance of the ventricular tachycardia, which is often associated with a fixed, ischemic substrate such as a prior myocardial infarction.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia: This could be a consideration, especially if there's no clear evidence of structural heart disease. Idiopathic VT often has a more benign course and can be related to focal areas of abnormal automaticity or reentry.
- Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT) Tachycardia: Although typically seen with a left bundle branch block (LBBB) morphology, some forms of VT originating from the RVOT can present with a monomorphic pattern and might be considered in the differential, especially in younger patients without structural heart disease.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Torsades de Pointes: Although typically polymorphic, in some cases, Torsades can present with a monomorphic pattern, especially if the QT interval is significantly prolonged. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal due to the risk of degenerating into ventricular fibrillation.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) with Aberrancy: It's crucial to differentiate VT from SVT with aberrancy, as the management and prognosis are significantly different. SVT with aberrancy can mimic VT but requires different treatment approaches.
Rare Diagnoses
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): This condition can lead to VT but is less common and typically presents with a polymorphic or bidirectional VT pattern. However, it's a rare cause of monomorphic VT and should be considered in patients with a family history or specific structural changes in the right ventricle.
- Cardiac Sarcoidosis: This can cause VT due to granulomatous infiltration of the myocardium, leading to scar formation and reentrant arrhythmias. It's a rare but important consideration, especially in younger patients without a clear ischemic cause.