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Differential Diagnosis for ST Elevation in a 17-year-old after Football Tackle

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Commotio Cordis: This is a condition caused by a blunt impact to the chest, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Given the context of a football tackle, this diagnosis is highly plausible due to the direct trauma to the chest.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Myocardial Contusion: A blunt trauma to the chest, such as from a football tackle, can cause a myocardial contusion, leading to ST elevation on an ECG.
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Although less directly related to the immediate cause of a football tackle, HCM is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes and can present with ST elevation.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Acute Myocardial Infarction (MI): Although rare in teenagers, an MI could present with ST elevation and must be considered, especially if there are risk factors or a family history of early cardiovascular disease.
  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE): While less common in this demographic, a PE can cause ST elevation in certain leads and is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
  • Aortic Dissection: This is a rare but critical condition that could potentially occur after a severe chest trauma, presenting with ST elevation among other symptoms.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Myopericarditis: Inflammation of the myocardium and pericardium can cause ST elevation and could be considered if there's a history of recent infection or autoimmune conditions.
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A rare condition that affects the right ventricle and can lead to sudden cardiac death, presenting with various ECG abnormalities including ST elevation in some cases.
  • Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT): A rare genetic disorder that can cause life-threatening arrhythmias during physical activity or emotional stress, potentially presenting with ST elevation during episodes.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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