What is the differential diagnosis for a young adult presenting with chest tightness radiating to the jaw?

Differential Diagnosis for Chest Tightness Radiating to Jaw in a Young Adult

In a young adult presenting with chest tightness radiating to the jaw, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) must be immediately excluded first despite the age, as this represents the highest mortality risk, followed by systematic evaluation for aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, pericarditis, and then non-life-threatening causes including musculoskeletal pain and gastroesophageal reflux disease. 1, 2

Life-Threatening Causes (Immediate Exclusion Required)

Acute Coronary Syndrome

• Chest tightness with jaw radiation is a classic anginal presentation that requires immediate 12-lead ECG within 10 minutes and stat troponin measurement 1, 2, 3
• Anginal symptoms are perceived as retrosternal chest discomfort (pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing) that gradually builds over several minutes 1
• Jaw radiation is specifically listed as a characteristic pattern of anginal pain 1
• Young adults (24-39 years) without cardiac history and normal ECG have <1% risk of ACS, but this must still be ruled out systematically 4
• Associated symptoms that increase ACS likelihood include diaphoresis (95% specificity, LR 5.18), nausea/vomiting, dyspnea, lightheadedness, or presyncope 1, 3

Aortic Dissection

• Sudden onset of ripping or tearing chest pain ("worst chest pain of my life") radiating to the upper or lower back, particularly in patients with hypertension, bicuspid aortic valve, or known aortic dilation 1, 2
• This is distinct from the gradual onset typical of angina 1

Pulmonary Embolism

• Consider in the differential of severe prolonged chest pain of acute onset, particularly with associated dyspnea 1

Acute Pericarditis

• Sharp chest pain that increases with inspiration and lying supine, relieved by sitting forward 1
• Look for PR segment depression on ECG 5

Diagnostic Workup Algorithm

Immediate Assessment (Within 10 Minutes)

• 12-lead ECG looking for ST-segment elevation (STEMI), ST depression, new T-wave inversions, new left bundle branch block, or PR segment depression 1, 2, 3
• Cardiac troponin measurement immediately with repeat per protocol 1, 2, 3
• Focused cardiovascular examination for murmurs, rales, signs of heart failure 3

Risk Stratification Features

• High-risk features: Pain lasting >20 minutes at rest, associated diaphoresis, pain interrupting normal activity, cold sweat, nausea/vomiting, syncope 1, 3
• Lower-risk features: Pain reproducible with palpation, positional variation, well-localized pain, pain varying with respiration or body position 1
• Pain lasting only seconds is unlikely to be ischemic 1

Disposition Decision

• If troponin elevated OR ECG shows ischemic changes: Immediate admission for ACS management per cardiology protocols 2, 3
• If initial workup negative but suspicion remains: Consider stress testing, coronary CT angiography, or cardiac MRI for further evaluation 6
• If cardiac workup negative: Pursue alternative diagnoses 3

Non-Life-Threatening Causes

Musculoskeletal (Costochondritis/Chest Wall Pain)

• Pain reproducible with palpation of chest wall, worsening with specific movements 1, 3
• Localized to very limited area 1

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Epigastric or substernal discomfort that can radiate to left arm or jaw 3
• May worsen with bending forward (increases intra-abdominal pressure) 3
• Not relieved by position changes typical of cardiac pain 1

Anxiety/Panic Disorder

• Consider after cardiac causes excluded 6
• Often associated with hyperventilation, palpitations 1

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not use nitroglycerin response as a diagnostic criterion for ischemia, as relief with nitroglycerin is not specific for cardiac causes 1
• Do not describe chest pain as "atypical" because this term is confusing and can be misinterpreted as benign; instead use "cardiac," "possibly cardiac," or "noncardiac" 1
• Do not delay ECG and troponin testing to obtain chest X-ray in potentially unstable patients 2
• Do not assume young age excludes ACS: While overall risk is lower (4.7% in one study of patients 24-39 years), serious events still occur, and jaw radiation is a classic warning sign 4
• Women and diabetic patients may present with atypical symptoms including jaw pain as a prominent feature 1