Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Onset of SVT with Chills
The patient's symptoms of sudden onset supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and chills after ambulating to the bathroom require a thorough differential diagnosis. The following categories outline potential causes:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A leading cause of sudden onset tachycardia, especially if accompanied by symptoms like chills, which could indicate a systemic response to a clot. The act of ambulating could have dislodged a pre-existing clot.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance: Leading to SVT, possibly exacerbated by the physical activity of walking to the bathroom.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Pyelonephritis: Could cause chills and potentially lead to SVT due to the systemic inflammatory response.
- Sepsis: An overwhelming infection leading to systemic symptoms including tachycardia and chills.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cardiac Tamponade: Although less likely, it's critical to consider due to its high mortality rate if not promptly treated. Symptoms can include tachycardia and potentially systemic symptoms like chills if there's an associated infection or inflammatory process.
- Aortic Dissection: A life-threatening condition that could present with sudden onset of tachycardia among other symptoms, and is crucial not to miss.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Thyrotoxic Crisis: A rare but life-threatening condition that could cause sudden onset tachycardia and systemic symptoms like chills.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that could cause episodic tachycardia and other systemic symptoms, including chills in some cases.
Each of these diagnoses requires careful consideration based on the patient's full clinical picture, including history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.