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Differential Diagnosis for a 15-year-old Female with Right-Sided 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. It is a common cause of chest pain in adolescents and can cause sharp pains that worsen with deep breathing or coughing, fitting the patient's symptoms.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Musculoskeletal strain: Given the patient's age and the nature of the pain, a musculoskeletal strain from overuse or minor trauma could be a plausible explanation. The pain worsening with inspiration could be due to the movement of the ribcage.
  • Intercostal muscle strain: Similar to musculoskeletal strain, intercostal muscle strain could cause pain that worsens with deep breathing or movement.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pulmonary embolism (PE): Although less common in adolescents, PE is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. The denial of shortness of breath and other typical symptoms does not rule out PE, as presentations can be atypical.
  • Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. Even without shortness of breath, a pneumothorax needs to be considered and ruled out with imaging.
  • Osteomyelitis or rib fracture: Infection of the bone or a fracture could cause localized pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing. These conditions are less likely without a history of trauma but should not be missed due to their potential for serious complications.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Sickle cell crisis: If the patient has sickle cell disease, a crisis could cause severe pain, including rib pain, due to vaso-occlusion.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): TB can cause chest pain, among other symptoms, and is more likely in individuals with recent travel to or contact with someone from an area where TB is common.
  • Lymphoma: Although rare, lymphoma could cause chest pain due to mediastinal involvement. It would be an unusual presentation without other systemic symptoms, but it should be considered in a broad differential diagnosis.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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