Differential Diagnosis for Chest Pain in a Hospital Patient
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Given the patient's recent elevated serial troponins (50-51), this suggests myocardial injury, which is a hallmark of ACS. The slight elevation in troponins over a few days indicates ongoing or recent cardiac damage.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although less likely than ACS given the troponin levels, PE can cause chest pain and should be considered, especially if there are risk factors such as immobility, recent surgery, or known thrombophilic conditions.
- Pneumonia or Pleuritis: Infection or inflammation of the lung tissue or pleura can cause chest pain, especially if the patient has symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breath.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or Esophagitis: These conditions can cause chest pain that may mimic cardiac pain, especially if it's related to eating or lying down.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic Dissection: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Although less common, the consequences of missing this diagnosis are severe, making it crucial to consider, especially if the patient has a history of hypertension or aortic aneurysm.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Crisis: Sudden worsening of pulmonary hypertension can cause severe chest pain and is life-threatening.
- Cardiac Tamponade: Accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac can compress the heart, leading to severe chest pain and potentially fatal outcomes if not promptly treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): A rare cause of ACS, more common in younger women without traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
- Myocarditis or Pericarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle or the sac surrounding the heart can cause chest pain and may be associated with viral infections or autoimmune conditions.
- Tietze's Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilages and surrounding tissues of the ribs, which can cause chest pain that mimics cardiac conditions.