Definition First described by German surgeon Alexander Tietze
Benign painful swelling of one or more costal cartilages
Teitze syndrome without swelling is called as costochondritis
presentationAge of onset before 40.Both sexes equally affected.Mostly single joint is involved.Typically second or third costochondral joints are involved.
Signs and symptomsAggravating factors
Onset of pain may be gradual or sudden
Pain radiates to the arms and shoulders
Aggravating factors Sneezing Coughing deep inspirations Twisting motions of the
chest
Etiology Not well understoodOften results from physical strain or minor
injuryRepeated coughing , vomiting Reported to occur after hearty bouts of
laughter
Radiological examinationUsually appears
normalSometimes
enlargement of rib ends occur with faint mottled sclerosis that simulates pulmonary infiltration.
Differentiation can be made by tomography
Differential diagnosis
Myocardial infarctionSymptoms are
mistaken for thisDoes not progress
to cause any harm to any organs
Reassurance should be given
Heart attack
Management RestAnti inflammatory
drugsPhysical therapyCortisone injectionIce packsLocal lidocaine
analgesic patch (lidoderm)