From the Guidelines
Precordial catch syndrome, also known as Texidor's twinge, is a benign condition that does not require specific treatment, as it resolves on its own, and management can be achieved through shallow breathing and positional changes. The condition is characterized by brief, sharp discomfort associated with inspiration, as defined in the 2017 AHA/ACC key data elements and definitions for ambulatory electronic health records in pediatric and congenital cardiology 1.
Key Characteristics
- The pain is usually sharp and stabbing, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes
- It is typically felt in a small area on the left side of the chest
- The pain often worsens with deep breathing
- It is not related to heart problems and poses no health risks
Management
- Taking shallow breaths until the pain subsides can help manage discomfort
- Changing positions or gently stretching the chest area may provide relief
- If chest pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out more serious conditions The exact cause of precordial catch syndrome remains unknown, though it may involve irritation of nerves in the chest wall or minor muscle cramps, and it is classified as a type of musculoskeletal chest pain: idiopathic/precordial catch syndrome (Texidor’s twinge) 1.
From the Research
Diagnosis of Precordial Catch Syndrome
- Precordial catch syndrome is a benign cause of chest pain in children and adolescents that remains underrecognized 2
- A detailed history eliciting diagnostic features is important, along with a physical examination excluding other pathologic disorders 2
- The pain typically occurs at variable intervals, out of the blue, during rest or very mild activity and never on exertion 3
- The characteristics of this painful condition include the site of the pain over an intercostal space, with the finger tip 4
- Precordial catch pain typically is sudden, brief, periapical, easily localized, nonradiating, nonexertional, and importantly, intensified by inspiration 5
Treatment of Precordial Catch Syndrome
- Recognition of the syndrome of precordial catch and reassurance of its benign nature will allay anxiety 3
- Several methods of treatment are recommended, although the specific methods are not detailed in the studies 4
- In some cases, nitrates, betablockers and/or calcium channel blockers can be of value in the treatment of this condition, particularly in patients with chronic Chagas disease 6
- It is essential to differentiate precordial catch syndrome from other conditions, such as acute coronary syndrome, to provide appropriate treatment 6