Differential Diagnosis for Different Blood Pressure in Each Arm

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease: This condition is a common cause of differential blood pressure readings between arms due to the narrowing or blockage of arteries, which can lead to reduced blood flow to one arm.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Subclavian artery stenosis or occlusion: This condition can cause a decrease in blood pressure in the arm on the affected side due to reduced blood flow.
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of the subclavian artery or vein can lead to decreased blood pressure in the affected arm.
  • Arterial dissection or aneurysm: These conditions can cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure in one arm due to disruption of blood flow.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Aortic dissection: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention, where a tear in the aorta can lead to differential blood pressure readings between arms.
  • Pulmonary embolism (in rare cases): Although less common, a large pulmonary embolism can cause differential blood pressure readings due to decreased cardiac output.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Takayasu arteritis: A rare inflammatory condition that affects the large arteries, including the subclavian arteries, leading to differential blood pressure readings.
  • Giant cell arteritis: Another rare inflammatory condition that can affect the arteries, including those in the arms, leading to differential blood pressure readings.
  • Coarctation of the aorta: A congenital condition where the aorta is narrowed, which can cause differential blood pressure readings between arms.