Septal infarcts are among the most frequently misdiagnosed types of myocardial infarction. This type of misdiagnosis can occur when a medical professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care, and such failure causes preventable harm to the patient. For example, clear warning signs of a cardiac event may be mistaken for another condition, testing might be misinterpreted, and procedural errors could be made. If your septal infarct condition was misdiagnosed due to medical negligence, and you suffered harm as a result, you may be eligible to pursue a medical malpractice claim to recover your damages.
A septal infarct is an injury to the heart’s septum caused by a heart attack. The condition refers to an area of dead or damaged tissue in the wall that separates the two sides of the heart and occurs when certain areas of the heart muscle cannot get enough blood flow. In these cases, the septum is usually not the only area that is affected; there can be damage to other parts of the heart, as well. The condition usually presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, radiating pain, and irregular heartbeat.
Septal infarct is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, electrical testing, and imaging. An electrocardiogram is usually the first test to detect signs of possible septal infarct. Cardiac biomarkers are also used to confirm actual heart muscle damage by detecting elevated proteins in the bloodstream. In addition, an echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that can help medical professionals visualize the septum, evaluate wall motion abnormalities, and rule out septal rupture.
Although these diagnostic tools exist and are clinically appropriate, misdiagnosis can still occur when a doctor does not use them properly or fails to investigate further. For instance, an EKG may not show definitive changes in the early stages, cardiac biomarkers may be normal initially, and imaging is not always ordered. A doctor may also misinterpret tests or overlook subtle changes. As a result, a patient may be discharged without a correct diagnosis.
The symptoms of septal infarct are not always what healthcare providers expect, and this is a common factor that can lead to misdiagnosis. Many of the common symptoms of the condition, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and discomfort can be mistaken for anxiety, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal conditions. In an emergency setting, a provider will prioritize the obvious and immediate life-threatening conditions, which can inadvertently result in a subtle cardiac event being pushed lower on the differential diagnosis list.
Errors in electrocardiogram interpretation or placement can also play a key role in septal infarct misdiagnosis. In patients with prior cardiac history or baseline conduction issues, septal changes may be obscured by existing abnormalities. In other cases, septal changes may simply be mild and go unnoticed or be borderline and labeled as non-specific. Improper EKG lead placement, failure to compare with prior EKGs, and evolving presentation are other common factors that can lead to misdiagnosis.
A septal infarct misdiagnosis can rise to the level of medical malpractice when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in a worsening of the patient’s condition. Typically, a misdiagnosis crosses the line into medical negligence in the following situations:
In medical malpractice matters, such failures can also be evaluated in terms of whether they led to a delayed diagnosis, missed opportunity for timely intervention, or the progression of cardiac damage could have been prevented with earlier intervention.
A patient who suffered septal infarct misdiagnosis caused by medical malpractice may be entitled to a wide range of damages by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. While not every misdiagnosis rises to the level of medical malpractice, a healthcare professional’s negligence must first be proven. To hold a medical professional liable for malpractice, a plaintiff must establish the following:
Recoverable damages for septal infarct misdiagnosis caused by medical malpractice can include unreimbursed past medical expenses, future medical costs in connection with the condition, lost earnings, future loss of earnings, and out-of-pocket costs. A victim may also be entitled to non-economic damages for the physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life they suffered.
If you’ve been harmed by a doctor’s septal infarct misdiagnosis caused by medical malpractice, it’s vital to have a medical malpractice attorney who can work to ensure you receive your rightful compensation for the harm you suffered. Serving Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, the Fraser Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims of negligence and medical malpractice secure their rightful monetary recovery. Contact the Fraser Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
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