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Differential Diagnosis for Intermittent Sharp Right Sided Chest 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 can cause sharp, intermittent pain on one side of the chest, which may radiate to the back or under the arm. The pain can be exacerbated by movement, deep breathing, or coughing.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Musculoskeletal strain: Strain or injury to the muscles or ligaments in the chest wall can cause sharp, intermittent pain, especially if the pain is exacerbated by movement or deep breathing.
  • Precordial catch syndrome: This is a benign condition that causes sharp, stabbing pain in the chest, often on one side. The pain can be severe but is usually fleeting and resolves on its own.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause chest pain that radiates to the back or under the arm, especially after eating or at night. The pain is often described as burning or sharp.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pulmonary embolism: Although less likely, pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. It can cause sudden, sharp chest pain that radiates to the back or under the arm, especially if the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, coughing, or leg swelling.
  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack): While more common on the left side, myocardial infarction can cause pain on the right side of the chest, especially in women. The pain is often described as crushing or squeezing and may radiate to the back, arm, or jaw.
  • Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden, sharp chest pain that radiates to the back or under the arm, especially if the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath or coughing.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Pneumomediastinum: This is a rare condition where air leaks into the space between the lungs and the chest cavity, causing sharp chest pain that can radiate to the back or under the arm.
  • Esophageal rupture: A rare but life-threatening condition where the esophagus tears, causing severe chest pain that can radiate to the back or under the arm, especially if the pain is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or vomiting.
  • Herpes zoster (shingles): Shingles can cause sharp, burning pain on one side of the chest, which can radiate to the back or under the arm. The pain is often accompanied by a rash.

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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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