Differential Diagnosis for Fever after Heart Cath
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) or catheter-associated bacteremia: This is a common complication following heart catheterization procedures, especially if a urinary catheter was used during the procedure. The insertion of catheters increases the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract or bloodstream.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Endocarditis: Although less common, endocarditis is a potential complication of heart catheterization, particularly if the procedure involved manipulation of heart valves or if the patient has a pre-existing heart condition.
- Pneumonia: Hospital-acquired pneumonia is a risk for patients undergoing invasive procedures like heart catheterization, especially if they require prolonged bed rest or have compromised respiratory function.
- Reaction to contrast media: Some patients may experience a feverish reaction to the contrast dye used during the heart catheterization procedure.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Prosthetic valve endocarditis (if the patient has a prosthetic valve): This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Septicemia: Bacteria can enter the bloodstream during the catheterization procedure, leading to septicemia, a condition that can rapidly progress to sepsis and organ failure if not promptly treated.
- Mediastinitis: Infection of the mediastinum, the area in the chest containing the heart, large blood vessels, windpipe, thymus gland, and connective tissues, is a rare but potentially fatal complication of heart catheterization.
- Rare diagnoses
- Myocardial abscess: A rare complication of endocarditis or direct infection of the heart muscle, which can occur after heart catheterization.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, can occur as a complication of heart catheterization, although it is rare.
- Pulmonary embolism: Although not directly related to fever, pulmonary embolism is a potential complication of prolonged immobilization following heart catheterization and can present with fever among other symptoms.