Differential Diagnoses for Radial Pulse Deficit
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Atherosclerosis: This is the most common cause of radial pulse deficit, particularly in older adults. Atherosclerosis can lead to stenosis or occlusion of the radial artery, resulting in a diminished or absent pulse.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of the subclavian artery or brachial plexus can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the arm, resulting in a radial pulse deficit.
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: This condition causes vasospasm of the arteries in response to cold or stress, leading to a temporary decrease in blood flow to the hands and fingers, which can result in a radial pulse deficit.
- Hypovolemia: Severe dehydration or blood loss can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, resulting in a diminished or absent radial pulse.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Arterial Occlusion: A sudden blockage of the radial or brachial artery can lead to a rapid onset of pulse deficit, pain, and ischemia. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent damage.
- Subclavian Steal Syndrome: A stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian artery can lead to a reversal of blood flow in the vertebral artery, resulting in a decrease in blood flow to the arm and a radial pulse deficit.
- Trauma: Injury to the arm or shoulder can cause damage to the radial artery, leading to a pulse deficit.
Rare Diagnoses
- Takayasu Arteritis: A rare form of large vessel vasculitis that can cause stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian or brachial arteries, leading to a radial pulse deficit.
- Giant Cell Arteritis: A form of large vessel vasculitis that can cause stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian or brachial arteries, leading to a radial pulse deficit.
- Embolic Events: Rarely, an embolus can lodge in the radial or brachial artery, causing a sudden onset of pulse deficit and ischemia.