Single most likely diagnosis
- Costochondritis: This condition, which is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone, can be caused by the trauma of a car accident, leading to breast pain.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Musculoskeletal strain: The force of the accident can cause strain to the muscles and ligaments in the chest wall, resulting in breast pain.
- Rib fracture: A fracture to one of the ribs can cause pain that radiates to the breast area.
- Seatbelt injury: The seatbelt can cause bruising and trauma to the chest and breast area during a car accident, leading to pain.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less common, the trauma of a car accident can increase the risk of a pulmonary embolism, which can cause chest pain that may be mistaken for breast pain.
- Cardiac contusion or myocardial infarction: The force of the accident can cause a cardiac contusion or even a myocardial infarction, which can present with chest pain.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause chest pain that may be referred to the breast area.
Rare diagnoses
- Breast hematoma or fat necrosis: Trauma to the breast tissue can cause a hematoma or fat necrosis, leading to breast pain and swelling.
- Galactorrhea or ductal injury: Although rare, the trauma of a car accident can cause injury to the milk ducts, leading to galactorrhea or other breast symptoms.