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Costochondritis, also known as chest wall pain syndrome or costosternal syndrome, is a benign inflammation of the upper costochondral (rib to cartilage) and sternocostal (cartilage to sternum) joints. 90% of patients are affected in multiple ribs on a single side, typically at the 2nd to 5th ribs. Chest pain, the primary symptom of costochondritis, is considered a symptom of a medical emergency, making costochondritis a common presentation in the emergency department. One study found costochondritis was responsible for 30% of patients with chest pain in an emergency department setting.
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The exact cause of costochondritis is not known; however, it is believed to be due to repetitive minor trauma, called microtrauma. In rarer cases, costochondritis may develop as a result of an infectious factor. Diagnosis is predominantly clinical and based on physical examination, medical history, and ruling other conditions out. Costochondritis is often confused with Tietze syndrome, due to the similarity in location and symptoms, but with Tietze syndrome being differentiated by swelling of the costal cartilage.
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Costochondritis is considered a self-limited condition that will resolve on its own. Treatment options usually involve rest, pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ice, heat, and manual therapy. Cases with persistent discomfort may be managed with an intercostal nerve blocking injection utilizing a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetic. The condition predominantly affects women over the age of 40, though some studies have found costochondritis to still be common among adolescents presenting with chest pain.
Presentation
left|thumb|260x260px|Anatomy of the costal cartilage
Costochondritis typically presents unilaterally (one side), which is typically the left side. It affects primarily the 2nd to 5th ribs at the sternocostal and costochondral joints. It may also be accompanied by a radiating pain to the shoulder, arm, front neck, or scapula (shoulder blade).
The condition usually onsets gradually following repetitive coughing, strenuous physical activity, or trauma to the chest.
Costochondritis does not present with heat, erythema, or swelling of the affected area, the presence of which would indicate Tietze syndrome.
Cause
The exact etiology of costochondritis is unknown.
Infection of the costosternal joint may cause costochondritis in rare cases. Most cases of infectious costochondritis are caused by Actinomyces, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Salmonella. In rare cases, Escherichia coli can be a cause of infectious costochondritis.
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis underlying the development of costochondritis remains unclear. Proposed mechanisms of pain include neurogenic inflammation, muscular imbalances, neuropathy of the intercostal nerves, myofascial pain, or mechanical dysfunction.
Diagnosis
Costochondritis is predominately a clinical diagnosis only after life-threatening conditions have been ruled out, with physical examination and medical history being considered. Before a costochondritis diagnosis is made, other serious causes of chest pain are investigated. Further evaluation for cardiopulmonary or neoplastic causes is typically based on history, age, and risk factors, with diagnostic imaging and tests, completed to assess for life-threatening emergencies. If there is a suspicion of infection or a rheumatoid condition, laboratory work may be conducted.
A physical exam will assess for tenderness or pain upon palpation, with an absence of heat, erythema, or swelling. The physical exam may assess if the pain is worsened with movements of the upper body or breathing, and may be reproduced upon using the crowing rooster maneuver, the hooking maneuver, or the horizontal flexion maneuver. Medical history is considered in diagnosing costochondritis, such as inquiry regarding any recent trauma, coughing, exercise, or activity involving the upper body that may have caused the symptoms.
Differential diagnosis
Cardiopulmonary
Life-threatening medical emergencies that may be associated with chest wall pain include acute coronary syndrome, aortic dissection, pneumothorax, or pulmonary embolism. Other cardiopulmonary causes of chest pain similar to that produced by costochondritis may include but are not limited to myocardial infarction, angina, and pericarditis. With costochondritis, the pain is typically worse with respiration, with movement, or within certain positions. Typically with other causes of chest pain, individuals will likely have radiating pain, shortness of breath, fever, a productive cough, nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, or hypotension.
A similar condition known as slipping rib syndrome is also associated with chest pain and inflammation of the costal cartilage. Unlike costochondritis, the pain associated with slipping rib syndrome is often felt in the lower ribs, abdomen, and back, commonly affecting the interchondral junctions of the false 8th to 10th ribs. Costochondritis is typically experienced within the sternocostal junctions of the true 2nd to 5th ribs.
Other musculoskeletal conditions that may cause chest pain similar to costochondritis includes but are not limited to, painful xiphoid syndrome, muscle strain, myofascial pain syndrome, thoracic disk herniation, and rib fracture.
Other
- Rheumatologic conditions such as fibromyalgia, SAPHO syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis can cause symptoms similar to costochondritis.
- Chest pain is occasionally experienced with respiratory-related conditions such as pleuritis, precordial catch syndrome, and pneumonia.
- Some gastroenterology conditions may be associated with costochondritis-like chest pain such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, and esophagitis.
Outlook, treatment and prevention
Outlook
Costochondritis is usually self-limited,
Treatment
Conservative methods are often the first method to treat the condition. If the condition is a result of trauma or over-use of the upper extremity, individuals will be told to rest and avoid activities. Pain relief medications (analgesics) such as acetaminophen, or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam may be suggested to relieve discomfort.