Differential Diagnosis for Linear Lucency through a Partially Calcified Left Costichondral Cartilage

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Costochondritis: This condition, also known as Tietze's syndrome, is characterized by inflammation of the costochondral cartilages and is a common cause of chest pain. The linear lucency could represent an area of cartilage fracture or inflammation within the partially calcified cartilage.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Trauma: A direct blow to the chest or a severe cough could cause a fracture through the costochondral cartilage, leading to the observed linear lucency.
  • Osteochondritis: Similar to costochondritis but with a focus on the osteochondral junction, this could lead to a lucency due to inflammation or aseptic necrosis.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Malignancy (e.g., chondrosarcoma): Although rare, primary malignancies of the costal cartilages can present with lucencies and must be considered to avoid delayed diagnosis.
  • Infection (e.g., costochondral abscess): An infectious process could lead to destruction of the cartilage, resulting in a linear lucency. This would require prompt antibiotic treatment or drainage.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Relapsing polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause cartilaginous destruction, including the costal cartilages, leading to lucencies.
  • Fibrous dysplasia: A condition where normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue, potentially causing lucencies in the affected areas, including the costal cartilages.