Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Death in a 21-Year-Old Medical Student
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults, often without prior symptoms. It is characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to arrhythmias and sudden death.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction (MI): Although less common in young adults, MI can occur due to various factors such as familial hypercholesterolemia, drug use, or other underlying conditions.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A condition where the muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by fat and scar tissue, leading to arrhythmias and potential sudden death.
- Long QT Syndrome: A disorder of the heart's electrical activity that can cause sudden, uncontrollable, dangerous arrhythmias.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although less common in young adults without risk factors, PE is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, which can lead to sudden death if not promptly treated.
- Status Epilepticus: Prolonged seizure activity that can lead to respiratory failure and death if not recognized and treated promptly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Brugada Syndrome: A genetic disorder characterized by abnormal ECG findings and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
- Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT): A rare genetic disorder that affects the heart's electrical activity, leading to arrhythmias and potential sudden death.
- Commotio Cordis: A rare phenomenon where a blunt impact to the chest causes a life-threatening arrhythmia.
- Marfan Syndrome with Aortic Rupture: A genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue, leading to an increased risk of aortic rupture and sudden death.