Differential Diagnosis for Left Slight Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Costochondritis: This condition, characterized by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, is a common cause of chest pain, especially in the area described (sternochondral rib 3-4). The symptoms of dull, intermittent pain that throbs, particularly with tenderness at the specific location, align well with costochondritis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Musculoskeletal strain: Given the location and nature of the pain, a strain or minor injury to the muscles or ligaments in the chest wall could be a plausible explanation. Activities that involve heavy lifting, bending, or sudden movements could lead to such strains.
- Tietze's syndrome: Similar to costochondritis but involves swelling of the cartilage, Tietze's syndrome could present with pain and tenderness in the chest area, specifically at the junctions of the ribs and sternum.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less likely given the description of the pain as dull and intermittent, pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. It typically presents with sudden onset of sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, but variations in presentation can occur.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Chest pain, even if described as mild or intermittent, should always prompt consideration of cardiac causes, especially in individuals with risk factors for heart disease. The pain of a heart attack can sometimes be mild and not typical, making it crucial not to miss this diagnosis.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause chest pain that might be described as sharp or dull, depending on the severity and the individual's perception. It's a critical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sickle cell crisis: In individuals with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause severe pain episodes, including chest pain, due to the sickling of red blood cells leading to vascular occlusion.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: This condition involves compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass into the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib). It can cause pain in the chest among other symptoms, but it's less common and might not be the first consideration given the specific location of pain described.