Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain Radiating to Chest
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing chest pain and abdominal discomfort. The symptoms can occur at rest and may worsen with food intake or lying down.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause abdominal pain that radiates to the chest, especially if the ulcer is located near the gastroesophageal junction.
- Functional Dyspepsia: This condition involves recurring signs and symptoms of indigestion that have no obvious cause, which can include abdominal pain and discomfort radiating to the chest.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although IBS primarily affects the bowel, some patients may experience upper abdominal pain or discomfort that can radiate to the chest.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction (MI): It is crucial to consider cardiac causes of chest pain, as MI can present with abdominal discomfort or pain, especially in women or diabetic patients.
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries can cause sudden, severe chest pain that may be accompanied by abdominal discomfort.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can cause severe, tearing chest pain that may radiate to the abdomen.
- Esophageal Rupture or Perforation: A sudden, severe chest pain accompanied by abdominal pain could indicate a rupture or perforation of the esophagus, which is a medical emergency.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back and chest, although this is less common.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder can cause right upper quadrant abdominal pain that may radiate to the chest, especially if a stone is impacted in the cystic duct.
- Splenic Infarction: A blockage in one of the splenic arteries can cause severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain that may radiate to the chest.
- Gastric Volvulus: A rare condition where the stomach twists abnormally, causing severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the chest.