Differential Diagnosis of Chest Pain in a Patient with Multiple Prior Coronary Interventions
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- In-stent restenosis or graft occlusion: This is a common issue in patients with multiple prior coronary interventions, as the repeated manipulation and instrumentation of coronary arteries can lead to the re-narrowing of previously treated segments or the occlusion of bypass grafts.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Unstable angina or acute coronary syndrome: Despite previous interventions, the progression of atherosclerotic disease in other segments of the coronary arteries can lead to new episodes of chest pain.
- Coronary artery spasm: This can occur in patients with or without prior coronary interventions and may be related to the interventions themselves or to underlying vascular reactivity.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium can cause chest pain and may be related to prior cardiac procedures or interventions.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic dissection: Although less common, aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. It can present with chest pain and may be related to hypertension or pre-existing aortic pathology.
- Pulmonary embolism: This is another critical diagnosis that must not be missed, as it can present with chest pain and may be related to immobility, recent surgery, or other thromboembolic risk factors.
- Myocardial rupture or ventricular septal defect: These are rare but potentially catastrophic complications of myocardial infarction that can occur even in patients with prior coronary interventions.
Rare Diagnoses
- Coronary artery embolism: This can occur in the setting of atrial fibrillation, endocarditis, or other conditions that predispose to embolism.
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): A rare cause of chest pain, more commonly seen in younger women without traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis.
- Syphilitic aortitis: A very rare condition that can cause chest pain due to inflammation of the aorta in patients with untreated syphilis.