Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Differential diagnosis for retrosternal chest pain

Common and important causes of retrosternal chest pain for doctors and medical students

DiagnosisEvidence
Gastroesophageal reflux/gastritisSuggested by: central or epigastric burning pain, onset over hours, dyspepsia, worse lying flat, worsened by food, alcohol, NSAIDs.
Confirmed by: OGD showing inflamed mucosa.
Biliary colicSuggested by: postprandial pain, severe and “gripping” or colicky, usually in right upper quadrant (RUQ) and that can radiate to right scapula. Onset over hours.
Confirmed by: ultrasound showing gallstones and biliary dilatation or characteristic findings on ERCP.
Pancreatitis (often due to gallstone impacted in common bile duct)Suggested by: mid-epigastric pain radiating to back, associated with nausea and vomiting, gallstones. Onset over hours.
Confirmed by: increased serum amylase to 5 times normal, increased serum lipase.
Myocardial infarction (often inferior)Suggested by: continuous pain, usually over 30 minutes, not relieved by rest or antianginal medication. Onset over minutes to hours.
Confirmed by: T wave inversion ± ST elevation of 1 mm in limb leads or 2 mm in chest leads on serial ECGs or increased troponin.

Related page: orthopnoea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea (PND)

Click the tags below or use our search bar for similar presentations