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Diagnostic Approach to Acute Pleuritic Chest Pain in a Young Adult: A Case of Viral Pleurisy

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This case study presents a 26-year-old male with acute-onset sharp chest pain exacerbated by deep inspiration, accompanied by dry cough, low-grade fever, and recent upper respiratory symptoms. Through detailed history-taking, physical examination, and targeted diagnostics—including normal chest X-ray and ECG, elevated inflammatory markers, and absence of cardiac or pulmonary embolism markers—the case illustrates the clinical reasoning leading to a diagnosis of viral pleurisy. The discussion includes differential diagnoses, evidence-based treatment with NSAIDs and supportive care, patient education, and follow-up planning. Ideal for medical students and clinicians seeking to refine their skills in evaluating chest pain in low-risk populations.

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iHuman Case Study: Week #7Reason for Encounter: Chest Pain with Rationales

Patient Demographics: 26-year-old male

Setting: Outpatient clinic with X-ray, ECG, and laboratory capabilities




Case StudyPatient Information

Name: Michael James Carter (fictional for illustrative purposes)

Age: 26 years

Gender: Male

Chief Complaint: Chest pain

Setting: Outpatient clinic




History of Present Illness (HPI)Michael James Carter, a 26-year-old male, presents to the

outpatient clinic complaining of chest pain for the past three days. He describes the pain as

a sharp, stabbing sensation localized to the left anterior chest, rated 6/10 at its worst. The

pain is exacerbated by deep inspiration, coughing, and lying flat, but it improves when

sitting upright or leaning forward. He reports the pain is intermittent, lasting minutes to

hours, and is not related to exertion. Associated symptoms include:

A dry, non-productive cough that started two days ago.

Subjective fever and chills over the past two days, though he has not measured his

temperature.

Mild shortness of breath, particularly with exertion or when the chest pain is severe.

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Fatigue, which he attributes to poor sleep due to discomfort.

He denies:

Radiation of pain to the arm, jaw, or back.

Palpitations, syncope, or dizziness.

Recent trauma, injury, or heavy lifting.

Hemoptysis, weight loss, or night sweats.

Recent travel, prolonged immobility, or known exposure to sick contacts.

The patient reports feeling “under the weather” for about a week prior to the onset of chest

pain, with mild upper respiratory symptoms (e.g., nasal congestion) that resolved

spontaneously. He denies any history of similar symptoms in the past.




Past Medical History (PMH)

Seasonal Allergies: Managed with over-the-counter cetirizine as needed.

No history of asthma, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or pulmonary conditions.

No prior surgeries or hospitalizations.

Allergies: No known drug or food allergies; allergic to pollen (seasonal).




Medications

Cetirizine 10 mg as needed for seasonal allergies (last taken one week ago).

No other prescription or over-the-counter medications.

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August 20, 2025
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