Differential Diagnosis for a 31-year-old Female with 3 Months History of Back Pain and New Onset Chest Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or fibromyalgia: Given the initial presentation of back pain and the subsequent development of chest pain, musculoskeletal issues are a common cause of both symptoms, especially in a young adult without other alarming features.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone can cause chest pain and may also refer pain to the back.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Can cause chest pain and, if severe, may also lead to back pain due to esophageal spasm or referred pain.
- Anxiety or panic disorder: These conditions can manifest with both back and chest pain, especially if the patient is experiencing significant stress or anxiety.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less common in a young adult without risk factors, pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can cause sudden onset chest pain and, occasionally, back pain if the embolism affects the lung periphery.
- Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can cause severe, tearing chest pain that may radiate to the back. It's rare but critical to diagnose promptly.
- Myocardial infarction: While uncommon in young females without risk factors, myocardial infarction (heart attack) can cause chest pain and, occasionally, back pain.
- Pneumothorax: Air in the pleural space can cause sudden chest pain and, if large, may also cause back pain due to the pressure exerted on the thoracic spine.
Rare Diagnoses
- Spinal tumors or metastases: Although rare, tumors in the spine can cause back pain that radiates or refers to the chest.
- Osteoporotic vertebral fractures: More common in older adults or those with significant osteoporosis risk factors, but can occur in younger individuals, especially with steroid use or other secondary causes of osteoporosis.
- Inflammatory arthropathies (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis): Can cause chronic back pain and, in advanced cases, may involve the chest wall, leading to chest pain.