Tietze Syndrome in a 41-Year-Old Patient Without Significant Comorbidities

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 5; p. e59640
• Main Authors: Alphonse, Berley, Elien, Michelande, Jean-Jacques, Walter, Ovil, Ricarven
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 04-05-2024; Cureus
• Subjects: Comorbidity; COVID-19; Emergency Medicine; Erythema; Heart attacks; Hypotheses; Inflammation; Internal Medicine; Medical personnel; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Orthopedics; Pain; Patients; Range of motion; Steroids; Young adults; Canada; Haiti; Montreal Quebec Canada; Port Au Prince Haiti; young adult male; young athlete; corticosteroid treatment; acute joint pain; tietze syndrome
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59640

Tietze syndrome is a relatively uncommon condition characterized by painful swelling localized in the costo-sternal, sternoclavicular, or costochondral joints. Despite its benign nature, Tietze syndrome can mimic more serious conditions, necessitating thorough evaluation and exclusion of differential diagnoses. Management typically involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid therapy, with surgical intervention reserved for refractory cases. This case of a 41-year-old athlete underscores the importance of considering Tietze syndrome in the differential diagnosis of acute chest pain, especially in younger individuals without significant comorbidities. By raising awareness and sharing our experience, we aim to contribute to improved recognition and management of this condition, ultimately enhancing patient care outcomes.