What Is Tietze Syndrome?

Tietze syndrome is a rare musculoskeletal condition that causes inflammation. It can hurt a lot but is rarely serious. It happens when cartilage around the joints that connect your upper ribs to your breastbone (sternum) swells from some kind of irritation. Usually, the second or third ribs are most affected. Tietze syndrome was named after Alexander Tietze, a German surgeon who first wrote about it in 1921. 

Tietze syndrome is different from Tietz syndrome, a condition that causes hearing loss. Tietz syndrome is congenital, or present from birth, and is also rare. 

Tietze Syndrome vs. Costochondritis;

Tietze syndrome and another condition called costochondritis are very similar, but they aren't the same. Both affect your costochondral joint (where your ribs connect to your sternum). Two big differences are location and swelling. Costochondritis usually affects the lower ribs. It can cause pain throughout your chest, and the pain may start on the left side and spread out. Unlike Tietze syndrome, it doesn’t cause any visible tissue swelling. Tietze syndrome and costochondritis aren’t usually serious and are often managed the same way. 

Is Tietze Syndrome dangerous?

Rarely. But you should still see your doctor about it. They’ll want to rule out other medical issues that may have similar symptoms but need different treatments, including broken ribs, acid reflux, lupus, and serious conditions such as chest wall tumors or heart attacks.

Tietze Syndrome Causes and Risk Factors;

No one knows exactly what causes Tietze syndrome. Some experts think it’s the result of repetitive actions that stress the ribs. Over time, there may be enough damage, leading to pain and swelling. 

Some things that might cause Tietze are: 

• Frequent coughing.

• Throwing up often.

• Getting hit in the chest a lot during sports or another activity.

It can also be caused by a big trauma that affects your chest wall. That might include something like a car crash, bad fall, or sports injury.

Tietze Syndrome Risk Factors;

People of all ages can get Tietze syndrome, but it’s seen most often in people under 40. Costochondritis is more common in people older than 40. 

You may be more likely to get Tietze syndrome if you: 

• Get respiratory infections a lot.

• Have had surgery on your chest area.

• Have conditions that affect your joints, such as psoriatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Have an autoimmune disease.

• Sneeze or cough a lot because you have a condition such as sinusitis or laryngitis.

Tietze Syndrome Symptoms;

The most common symptoms of Tietze syndrome are chest tenderness and swelling. The pain can be mild or severe, dull or sharp.

Tietze syndrome may also cause:

• Redness or a warm feeling where it hurts.

• Skin color changes.

• Pain that spreads to your neck, arms, or shoulders.

Chest pain and swelling from Tietze syndrome may:

• Come and go suddenly.

• Develop gradually.

• Stick around for weeks or months.

• Happen separately (swelling with no pain).

Your pain may get worse when you do anything that involves your chest, such as when you:

• Exercise.

• Cough or sneeze.

• Throw up.

• Breathe deeply.

• Laugh.

• Wear a seatbelt.

• Hug someone.

• Lie down.

You might mistake the pain from Tietze syndrome for a heart attack, but there are some key differences.

Tietze syndrome usually only affects a small area of the chest, while a heart attack can cause pain or tightness in a larger area of your chest. Heart attack also doesn't cause noticeable swelling like Tietze syndrome. You may be short of breath, nauseous, or sweaty during a heart attack. Get medical help right away if this happens to you.

Tietze Syndrome Diagnosis;

Tietze syndrome can mimic other health conditions that affect your heart and lungs besides a heart attack. That's why it's important to see your doctor so they can rule out any other conditions that might be more serious or need different treatment.

There’s no single test to diagnose Tietze syndrome. To figure out what’s going on, your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and give you a physical exam. They’ll probably feel or press on your chest and ribs to check for spots of pain and swelling.

You may also need other tests, such as:

• Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation.

• Chest X-ray to look closely at your ribs.

• Other imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to see electrical activity in your heart.

Tietze Syndrome Treatment;

In many cases, Tietze syndrome gets better on its own with little to no medical treatment. But you should still talk to your doctor about what treatment plan is best for you.