Differential Diagnosis for Left Sided Chest Pain with Bundle Branch Block in V2
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): The presence of left-sided chest pain and a bundle branch block (BBB) in lead V2 on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is highly suggestive of ACS, particularly myocardial infarction (MI). The BBB can indicate a blockage in one of the coronary arteries supplying the heart, leading to ischemia or infarction of the myocardium.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): While less common than ACS in this context, PE can cause chest pain and, in some cases, ECG changes including BBB, especially if the embolism is large and causes significant strain on the right heart.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium can cause chest pain and may lead to ECG changes, including BBB, although this is less common. The pain of pericarditis is often sharp and positional.
- Cardiomyopathy: Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause chest pain and ECG abnormalities, including BBB. However, the presentation would typically be more chronic rather than acute.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic Dissection: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. Chest pain can be a presenting symptom, and while ECG changes are not specific, a high index of suspicion is necessary, especially if the pain is described as tearing or radiating to the back.
- Pneumothorax: A large pneumothorax can cause chest pain and, in severe cases, lead to ECG changes due to the mechanical effects on the heart and great vessels.
Rare Diagnoses
- Myocardial Bridge: A congenital condition where a portion of a coronary artery dives into and is surrounded by the myocardium. This can cause chest pain and, in some cases, ECG changes, but it is much less common than ACS.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A rare condition that affects the right ventricle and can cause ECG abnormalities, including BBB, but it is less likely to present with left-sided chest pain as a primary symptom.