Differential Diagnosis for Sharp Pain in Left Chest Radiating to Left Back
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is often the most common cause of sharp chest pain, especially if it radiates to the back. The pain can be exacerbated by movement or deep breathing, and it typically resolves with rest and analgesics.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum can cause sharp chest pain that may radiate to the back. It is more common in women and can be tender to the touch.
- Precordial catch syndrome: A benign condition characterized by sharp, stabbing chest pain that can radiate to the back. It is often seen in adolescents and young adults.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux can cause sharp chest pain that may radiate to the back, especially after eating or at night.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial infarction (MI): Although less likely in younger individuals without risk factors, MI can present with sharp chest pain radiating to the back. It is crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or family history of coronary artery disease.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): A life-threatening condition that can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing and may radiate to the back. Risk factors include recent surgery, immobilization, or family history of clotting disorders.
- Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta can cause severe, sharp chest pain that radiates to the back. It is often associated with hypertension and can be fatal if not promptly treated.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sharp chest pain that radiates to the back, especially if the pneumothorax is small and not immediately apparent on imaging.
- Esophageal rupture: A rare but serious condition that can cause severe, sharp chest pain radiating to the back, often accompanied by difficulty swallowing or vomiting.
- Thoracic spine fracture or herniated disk: Although less common, a fracture or herniated disk in the thoracic spine can cause sharp chest pain radiating to the back, especially if there is a history of trauma or osteoporosis.