Tietze's Syndrome

Synonyms

Chondropathia tuberosa; Costal chondritis; Parasternal chondrodynia; Costochondral syndrome; Thoracochondralgia [1]

Definition and Characteristics

Tietze's syndrome can be defined as a benign, painful, non-suppurative localized swelling of the costosternal, the costochondral (most often involves the second or the third rib), or the sternoclavicular joints (Tietze's area) in the absence of other evident causes which could be responsible for this condition [2].

Prevalence

The exact occurrence of this pathology is not well known, because it often goes undiagnosed. It predominantly strikes subjects between 20 and 50 years of age. However, cases in children or in the elderly have been documented.

Molecular and Systemic Pathophysiology

The etiology is unknown. Among the hypotheses that have been put forward, the most likely is that of a microtrauma and contracture of the costal cartilage connecting the rib to the sternum, with a successive rotation or