Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 13, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Suprasternal Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Costochondritis: This condition, also known as Tietze's syndrome, is characterized by inflammation of the cartilages and bones in the chest wall, leading to pain in the suprasternal area. It is a common cause of chest pain and can be triggered by minor trauma, overuse, or viral infections.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause suprasternal pain due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, irritating the tissues and causing discomfort in the chest area.
  • Musculoskeletal Strain: Strain or injury to the muscles or ligaments in the chest wall can lead to suprasternal pain, especially if the strain involves the sternocleidomastoid or pectoral muscles.
  • Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland can cause pain in the suprasternal area, although it is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and changes in thyroid function.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Aortic Dissection: Although rare, aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that can present with sudden, severe suprasternal pain. It occurs when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aorta.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism can cause sudden onset of chest pain, including suprasternal pain, and is a medical emergency. It occurs when a blood clot lodges in one of the pulmonary arteries.
  • Myocardial Infarction: While more commonly associated with pain in the left chest or arm, myocardial infarction (heart attack) can occasionally present with suprasternal pain, especially in women or individuals with diabetes.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Thymoma: A tumor of the thymus gland, which is located in the suprasternal area, can cause localized pain. Thymomas are rare and often asymptomatic, but they can be associated with myasthenia gravis or other paraneoplastic syndromes.
  • Sternocostal Joint Infection: Infection of the sternocostal joints, such as septic arthritis, is a rare cause of suprasternal pain and would typically be accompanied by signs of infection like fever and swelling.

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.