Information about Costochondritis

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Classification & external resources''

'''Costochondritis

Sternocostal and interchondral articulations. Anterior view. (Costal cartilages visible on diagram.)
ICD-10	M94.0
ICD-9	733.6
DiseasesDB	13112
MeSH	D013991

Tietze's syndrome, also known as costochondritis, is a benign inflammation of one or more of the costal cartilages. It was first described in 1921 by the German surgeon Alexander Tietze (1864-1927).^[1][2]

Tietze's syndrome and costochondritis were initially described as separate conditions, the sole difference being that in Tietze's syndrome there is swelling of the costal cartilages. It is now recognized that the presence or absence of swelling is only an indicator of the severity of the condition. It was at one time thought to be associated with, or caused by, a viral infection acquired during surgery, but this is now known not to be the case. Most sufferers have not had recent surgery.

It should not be confused with Tietz syndrome.

Presentation

The primary presentation of the syndrome is significant, acute pain in the chest, along with tenderness and some swelling of the cartilages affected, which is commonly palpable on examination. Although many times it can be extremely painful, to the point of being debilitating, Tietze's Syndrome is considered to be a benign condition that generally resolves in 6-8 weeks. Perceived pain is often exacerbated with respiration.

Costochondritis symptoms are similar to the chest pain associated with a heart attack.

If the pain does not completely cease within two months, the patient must consult a doctor.

Cause

While the true causes of Tietze's Syndrome are not well understood, it often results from a physical strain or minor injury, such as repeated coughing, vomiting or impacts to the chest. It has even been known to occur after hearty bouts of laughter. It can occur by over exerting or by an injury in the chest .

Differential diagnosis

Although patients will often mistake the pain of Tietze's Syndrome for a myocardial infarction (heart attack), the syndrome does not progress to cause harm to any organs.

Doctors often reassure patients that their symptoms are not associated with a heart attack, although they may need to treat the pain, which in some cases can be severe enough to cause significant but temporary disability to the patient.

There is pain and discomfort in the chest wall of the patient. The pain is generally at night and in the morning. The pain subsides in five to six hours. The patient must not move or exert during pain. The patient should lie down and lightly massage the affected area.

References

External links

• Overview at About.com
• NetDoctor
• Overview at Mayo Clinic
• Constochondritis and Tietze Syndrome

•  • [ e] Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (, )
Arthropathies	Arthritis (Reactive arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Felty's syndrome, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Still's disease) - crystal (Gout, Chondrocalcinosis) - Osteoarthritis (Heberden's node, Bouchard's nodes) - acquired deformities of fingers and toes (Boutonniere deformity, Bunion, Hallux rigidus, Hallux varus, Hammer toe) - other acquired deformities of limbs (Valgus deformity, Varus deformity, Wrist drop, Foot drop, Flat feet, Club foot, Unequal leg length, Winged scapula) - Chondromalacia patellae
Systemic connective tissue disorders	Polyarteritis nodosa - Churg-Strauss syndrome - Kawasaki disease - Hypersensitivity vasculitis - Goodpasture's syndrome - Wegener's granulomatosis - Arteritis (Takayasu's arteritis, Temporal arteritis) - Microscopic polyangiitis - Systemic lupus erythematosus (Drug-induced) - Dermatomyositis (Juvenile dermatomyositis) - Polymyositis - Scleroderma - Sjgren's syndrome - Behet's disease - Polymyalgia rheumatica - Eosinophilic fasciitis - Hypermobility
Dorsopathies	Kyphosis - Lordosis - Scoliosis - Scheuermann's disease - Spondylolysis - Spondylolisthesis - Spondylopathies (Ankylosing spondylitis, Spondylosis, Spinal stenosis) - Schmorl's nodes - Degenerative disc disease - Coccydynia - Back pain (Radiculopathy, Sciatica, Lumbago, Low back pain)
Soft tissue disorders	Myositis - Myositis ossificans (Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva) - Synovitis - Tenosynovitis (Stenosing tenosynovitis, Trigger finger, DeQuervain's syndrome) - Bursitis (Olecranon, Prepatellar, Trochanteric) - fibroblastic (Dupuytren's contracture, Plantar fasciitis, Nodular fasciitis, Necrotizing fasciitis, Fasciitis, Fibromatosis) - enthesopathies (Iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, Golfer's elbow, Tennis elbow, Metatarsalgia, Bone spur, Tendinitis) - Myalgia
Osteopathies	Osteoporosis - Pseudarthrosis - Stress fracture - Monostotic fibrous dysplasia - Skeletal fluorosis - Aneurysmal bone cyst - Osteomyelitis - Avascular necrosis - Paget's disease of bone - Algoneurodystrophy - Osteolysis
Chondropathies	Juvenile osteochondrosis (Legg-Calv-Perthes syndrome, Osgood-Schlatter disease, Khler disease, Sever's disease) - Tietze's syndrome
See also conditions (Q65-Q79, )