Differential Diagnosis for a Baby with a Heart Rate of 216
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): This is the most likely diagnosis due to the high heart rate of 216, which is a common presentation of SVT in infants. SVT is a condition where the heart beats too quickly due to abnormal electrical impulses in the heart.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sinus Tachycardia (ST): Although less likely than SVT at this high rate, sinus tachycardia could be considered, especially if there are underlying conditions such as fever, dehydration, or anemia that could cause an increase in heart rate.
- Atrial Flutter: This condition, characterized by a rapid but regular atrial rhythm, could potentially present with a high ventricular rate if there is 1:1 conduction, although this is less common.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ventricular Tachycardia: Although less common in infants, ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening condition that must be considered and ruled out due to its potential for severe consequences, including cardiac arrest.
- Cardiac Channelopathies: Conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can predispose to SVT but also have a risk of degenerating into more dangerous arrhythmias.
Rare Diagnoses
- Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia: A rare condition where the atrioventricular junction acts as an ectopic pacemaker, leading to a rapid heart rate.
- Atrial Re-entrant Tachycardia: A type of arrhythmia that can occur in the atria and may present with a rapid heart rate, though it is less common in infants.
- Congenital Heart Block: Although typically presenting with bradycardia, in some cases, especially with a high degree of block, there could be a rapid ventricular response if an escape rhythm is present.