A Rare Cause of Chest Pain
Syed Mohammad Haleem1, Sohail Ahmad1, Billal Patel1
1Department of Cardiology, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, United Kingdom.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 28, 2021
Summary
A patient with chest pain mimicking acute coronary syndrome was diagnosed with a rare pulmonary artery sarcoma. This case highlights the importance of considering uncommon diagnoses in chest pain differentials.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Typical chest pain in patients with ischemic heart disease often suggests acute coronary syndrome.
- However, a broad differential diagnosis is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis.
- Pulmonary artery sarcoma is a rare malignancy presenting with nonspecific symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of pulmonary artery sarcoma initially misdiagnosed as acute coronary syndrome.
- To emphasize the importance of considering rare differentials in chest pain evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient presenting with typical chest pain.
- Review of diagnostic workup and differential diagnosis considerations.
Main Results:
- The patient's chest pain, initially suspected as acute coronary syndrome, was ultimately diagnosed as pulmonary artery sarcoma.
- This highlights a diagnostic challenge where a common presentation masks a rare underlying pathology.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary artery sarcoma can present with symptoms mimicking acute coronary syndrome.
- Thorough differential diagnosis is essential, even in patients with known ischemic heart disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Angina I: Introduction
82
Definition and Symptoms: Angina (angina pectoris) is chest pain or discomfort caused by myocardial ischemia, which occurs when the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood. It typically manifests as pressing, squeezing, or crushing sensations in the chest and may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.Primary Cause: In a healthy state, the coronary arteries can dilate (widen) to increase blood flow and meet the increased oxygen demand during physical activity or...
82
01:29Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
62
Angina manifests as chest pain, tightness, or squeezing discomfort typically located behind the breastbone. It can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, and inner aspects of the upper arms, most commonly the left arm. Patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, profuse sweating, dizziness, indigestion, heartburn, palpitations, anxiety, and vomiting as accompanying symptoms. This pain often lasts a few minutes and is triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, heavy meals, or cold...
62
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
91
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
91
01:27Pneumothorax-II
503
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
503
01:27Angina II: Classification
77
Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a chest pain resulting from diminished blood flow to the heart muscle and is often a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina presents several variants with distinctive attributes, etiologies, and therapeutic approaches. The main types of angina include stable, unstable, variant (Prinzmetal's), microvascular, intractable, and silent ischemia.Stable angina is caused by atherosclerosis, which leads to the formation of plaques that narrow the coronary...
77
01:24Flail Chest-I
342
Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
342