Tietze Syndrome / Costochondritis

Sore Rib Cartilage at Front of Chest

Costochondritis: inflammation of costochondral or costosternal joints causing anterior chest pain. No swelling. Self-limiting. Accounts for 10-30% of chest pain presentations to ED. Tietze syndrome: similar but WITH visible swelling, typically at 2nd-3rd costochondral junction. Distinct conditions but often conflated.

Open this lesson interactively →