Differential Diagnosis for Left Sided Intermittent Rib Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Costochondritis: This condition, also known as Tietze's syndrome, is characterized by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). It is a common cause of rib pain and can be intermittent, often worsening with movement or deep breathing. The left-sided nature of the pain does not rule out this diagnosis since costochondritis can affect any part of the chest wall.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Musculoskeletal Strain: Strains or pulls in the intercostal muscles between the ribs can cause sharp, intermittent pain, especially with movement or coughing.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While not directly causing rib pain, GERD can lead to referred pain in the chest wall, including the ribs, due to esophageal irritation.
- Precordial Catch Syndrome: A benign condition that causes sharp, stabbing chest pain, often localized to one area, which can be mistaken for rib pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden, severe chest pain that may be referred to the ribs, especially if the embolism is located peripherally. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to its high mortality rate if untreated.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Chest pain is a hallmark of myocardial infarction, and while it typically presents as a pressure or heaviness in the center of the chest, it can sometimes be referred to the left side, potentially mimicking rib pain.
- Pneumonia or Pleuritis: Inflammation of the lung (pneumonia) or the lining around the lung (pleuritis) can cause sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing, which might be perceived as rib pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sickle Cell Crisis: Individuals with sickle cell disease can experience episodes of severe pain due to vaso-occlusive crises, which can sometimes manifest as chest or rib pain.
- Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors affecting the ribs, lung, or surrounding tissues can cause intermittent pain, though this would be less common.
- Osteoporotic Rib Fracture: In individuals with osteoporosis, even minor trauma can lead to rib fractures, which might cause intermittent pain, especially with movement or deep breathing.