A 72-year-old male presents with progressive shortness of br…
A 72-year-old male presents with progressive shortness of breath that worsens when lying flat. He reports needing to sleep on three pillows at night and woke up suddenly “gasping for air.” He also complains of fatigue and a persistent productive cough. On assessment, you note crackles in both lung bases and mild tachypnea. There is no peripheral edema, and no signs of cor pulmonale. VS: BP 158/92; P 102; R 24; SpO₂ 90% on room air. Skin is pale and slightly diaphoretic. Of the options below, rank the differential diagnosis from most likely, possible and not likely Most likely: Possible: Not likely: