User:Mr. Ibrahem/Tietze syndrome

Tietze syndrome is inflammation of a costochondral junction, typically of the second or third rib on one side. Symptoms include tenderness and swelling of the front of the chest. Generally only a single joint is involved. Pain may be worsened by chest movement.

The cause is unclear; though one proposal is that it occurs as a result of repeated minor injuries. Risk factors include psoriatic arthritis, injury or surgery to the chest, and chronic coughing. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and examination after ruling out other possible causes. Ultrasound may show swelling and inflammatory makers may be elevated. Symptoms are similar to costochondritis but there is also visible swelling. Additionally, costochondritis often affects multiple ribs often in the 2nd to 5th area.

Treatment is generally with reassurance, rest, and simple pain medication, like paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Occasionally corticosteroid injections may be used. Generally it gets better over weeks to months.

Tietze syndrome is believed to be rare. In the emergency department, an estimated 15-45% of non-heart related chest pain is due to a musculoskeletal causes. Older children and younger adults appear to be the most commonly affected. It was first described in 1921 by German surgeon Alexander Tietze.