Differential Diagnosis for Increasing Fatigue in a 73-year-old Man
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Low cardiac output syndrome: This is the most likely cause of the patient's fatigue, given the significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25%. A low LVEF indicates that the heart is not pumping efficiently, leading to decreased cardiac output, which can cause fatigue.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Old inferior wall myocardial infarction: The presence of Q waves in leads III, aVF, V1, and V2 on the ECG suggests a previous myocardial infarction, specifically involving the inferior wall of the heart. This could contribute to the patient's reduced LVEF and subsequent fatigue.
- Old anterior wall myocardial infarction: Although the ECG findings are more suggestive of an inferior wall MI, an old anterior wall MI could also be a contributing factor to the patient's low LVEF and fatigue, especially if the infarction was extensive.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute inferior wall myocardial infarction: Although the ECG findings and clinical presentation might suggest an old MI, it's crucial not to miss an acute MI, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes. The patient's increasing fatigue could be a symptom of an acute event.
- Pulmonary embolism: While less likely given the ECG and echocardiogram findings, pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause fatigue among other symptoms. It should be considered, especially if there are other suggestive symptoms or risk factors.
Rare Diagnoses
- Acute anterior wall myocardial infarction: Given the ECG findings, an acute anterior wall MI is less likely but could be considered if there were symptoms or other diagnostic findings suggestive of an acute anterior MI.
- Other rare cardiac conditions: Conditions such as cardiac tamponade, constrictive pericarditis, or restrictive cardiomyopathy could also lead to fatigue and low LVEF but are less common and would require specific diagnostic findings to support these diagnoses.