Differential Diagnosis for Penelope Woodmansee
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Myocardial Infarction (MI): The patient's elevated troponin levels (1264.0 at 0 hours and 1260.0 at 2 hours) are highly indicative of myocardial damage, which, in the context of her history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and previous stent placements, suggests an acute MI. The presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) on her ECG, which has been evident since 2005, can sometimes mask ST-segment changes typical of an MI, but the troponin elevation is a strong indicator of myocardial injury.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroenteritis: Given the patient's symptoms of diarrhea, lightheadedness, fatigue, and weakness, along with poor oral intake and weight loss, gastroenteritis could be a contributing factor to her presentation. However, the absence of recent antibiotic use and the lack of fever or vomiting make this less likely as the primary diagnosis.
- Dehydration: The patient's symptoms of lightheadedness, fatigue, and weakness, combined with poor oral intake due to dysphagia, suggest dehydration as a possible diagnosis. Dehydration can also contribute to elevated troponin levels, although the degree of elevation in this case suggests myocardial injury.
- Heart Failure Exacerbation: With a history of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and valvular heart disease (mitral valve regurgitation), an exacerbation of heart failure could explain some of the patient's symptoms, including fatigue and weakness. The elevated BNP (407) supports this possibility.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although the patient denies chest pain and shortness of breath, and her oxygen saturation is normal, a PE can sometimes present atypically, especially in elderly patients. The presence of tachypnea (RR 17) and the patient's history of immobility due to difficulty swallowing could increase her risk for PE.
- Cardiac Tamponade: Given the patient's history of cardiac disease and the presence of valvular heart disease, cardiac tamponade is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be considered, especially if there are signs of cardiac chamber compression or if the patient's condition deteriorates.
- Sepsis: Despite the absence of fever, the patient's elevated white blood cell count (WBC 14.4) and history of current smoking and multiple comorbidities put her at risk for sepsis, which could be masked by her age and underlying conditions.
Rare Diagnoses
- Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy): This condition could be considered given the patient's recent stressors (e.g., dysphagia, weight loss, and possibly the upcoming EGD procedure), but it would be less likely without typical echocardiographic findings or a more pronounced stress event.
- Myocarditis: Although less common, myocarditis could present with elevated troponin levels and symptoms of heart failure. However, the patient's age, lack of fever, and absence of other inflammatory markers make this diagnosis less likely.