A Simple Guide to Tietze Syndrome, Diagnosis, Treatment and Related Conditions

This book describes Tietze Syndrome, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesTietze syndrome is a rare disorder that produces chest pain in the upper ribs. It is benign and mostly affects people under age 40. Tietze syndrome is a rare, inflammatory disorder featured by chest pain and swelling of the cartilage of one or more of the upper ribs (costochondral junction), particularly where the ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum).
The exact cause is not known. The syndrome is named for Alexander Tietze, the German doctor who first reported it in 1921. The start of pain may be gradual or sudden and may radiate to affect the arms and shoulders. Tietze syndrome is regarded as a benign syndrome and, in some cases, may resolve itself without treatment. The precise cause of Tietze syndrome is not known. Most doctors believe that it may be the result of small injuries (micro-trauma) to the ribs.
The injuries may be produced by:Excessive coughingSevere vomitingUpper respiratory tract infections, such as sinusitis or laryngitisStrenuous or repetitive physical activitiesInjuries or traumaThe largest risk factors for Tietze syndrome are age and possibly the time of year. It is known that Tietze syndrome mostly involves children and people under age 40. The number of cases was greater in the winter-spring period.
Tietze syndrome vs. CostochondritisTietze syndrome is rare and normally involves people under age 40. Symptoms are both swelling and pain of the ribsChest pain is affected in only one area in 70 percent of casesMost often the disorder involves the second or third rib. Costochondritis is comparatively frequent and normally involves people over age 40Symptoms involve pain but not swelling of the ribsMore than one area of the chest are affected in at least 90 percent of casesMost often the disorder involves the second through fifth ribsThe main symptom of Tietze syndrome is chest pain.
In 70 to 80 % the pain is sited around a single rib. Normally only one side of the chest is involved. Inflammation of the cartilage of the affected rib produces the pain. The inflammation can produce a swelling that becomes hard and spindle shaped. The inflamed area may feel tender and warm, and look swollen or red. Tietze syndrome pain may:Come on suddenly or graduallyFeel sharp, stabbing, dull, or achingVary from mild to severeSpread to the arm, neck, and shouldersBecome worse if the patient exercise, cough, or sneezeWhile the swelling may persist, the chest pain normally reduces after a few weeks.
A diagnosis of Tietze syndrome is based on the symptoms and excluding out other possible causes of the pain. Physical examination comprises gentle pressure to the chest wall with a single finger to identify the site of the discomfort. Swelling and tenderness upon palpation at one or more of the costochondral, sternocostal, or sternoclavicular joints, is a distinctive sign of Tietze syndrome and is regarded a positive diagnosis when found.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) should be conducted on all patients that present with acute chest pain. In some the pain linked with Tietze syndrome is self limiting and resolves on its own without any treatment. Treatment methods for others may be:RestApplying heat or iceTaking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A nerve block comprising corticosteroid or lidocaine injections may be useful in relieving pain and swelling if the pain does not respond to any other treatment.
TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Tietze SyndromeChapter 2 CausesChapter 3 SymptomsChapter 4 DiagnosisChapter 5 Treatment...