Differential Diagnosis of Sternum Rib Pain
The differential diagnosis of sternum rib pain can be organized into the following categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Costochondritis: This is the most common cause of sternum and rib pain, characterized by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. It is often caused by minor trauma, overuse, or viral infections.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Musculoskeletal strain: Strain or pull of the muscles or tendons in the chest wall can cause sternum and rib pain.
- Rib fracture: A fracture of one or more ribs can cause severe pain in the sternum and rib area.
- Tietze's syndrome: A rare inflammatory condition that affects the cartilage of the ribs, causing pain and swelling.
- Somatic dysfunction: Dysfunction of the thoracic spine or rib cage can cause referred pain to the sternum and ribs.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial infarction (MI): Chest pain that radiates to the arms, neck, or jaw, and is associated with shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting, could be a sign of an MI.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): Sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough could be indicative of a PE.
- Pneumothorax: Sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath could be a sign of a pneumothorax.
- Aortic dissection: Severe, tearing chest pain that radiates to the back could be a sign of an aortic dissection.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sickle cell crisis: A condition that affects individuals with sickle cell disease, causing severe pain episodes, including chest pain.
- Osteonecrosis: A rare condition that affects the bones, causing pain and swelling in the affected area.
- Eosinophilic granuloma: A rare condition that affects the bones, causing pain and swelling in the affected area.
- Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause chest pain, swelling, and shortness of breath.
It is essential to consider these diagnoses and perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of sternum and rib pain.