Differential Diagnosis for Persistent Side Chest Pain with Deep Inspirations in a Young Female

• 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, especially in young females, and is often exacerbated by deep breathing or movement.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Precordial catch syndrome: A benign condition that causes sharp, stabbing chest pain, often worsened by deep breathing or movement. It is more common in adolescents and young adults.
  • Musculoskeletal strain: Strain or injury to the muscles or ligaments of the chest wall can cause pain that worsens with deep breathing or movement.
  • Pulmonary embolism (less common in young females without risk factors): Although less likely, pulmonary embolism can cause chest pain that worsens with deep breathing. However, it is typically associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses
  • Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden, severe chest pain that worsens with deep breathing. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
  • Myocardial infarction (MI): Although rare in young females, MI can cause chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or movement. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
  • Pulmonary embolism: As mentioned earlier, pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Sickle cell crisis: In individuals with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause severe chest pain due to vaso-occlusion or infarction of the bone or lung tissue.
  • Tumor or cyst: Rarely, a tumor or cyst in the chest can cause pain that worsens with deep breathing or movement.
  • Diaphragmatic rupture or eventration: A rare condition where the diaphragm is ruptured or weakened, causing chest pain and breathing difficulties.