Abstract

AbstractTietze's syndrome, or peristernal chondritis or perichondritis, is a painful, benign affectation of all ages, races and sexes which is self-limited and presents as an exquisitely painful mass most frequently overlying the costal cartilages. The disease may mimic a variety of more worrisome clinical entities and must be considered in a differential diagnosis of any mass involving the costochondral, sternoclavicular, manubriosternal, or xiphisternal junctions. Diagnosis is entirely clinical, end the disease must be ruled out wherever a mass with pain is the presenting complex in the peristernal area. Three cases of Tietze's disease of the xiphisternal joint are reviewed to indicate the importance of ruling out this syndrome where the presenting complaints involve the midepigastrium. Treatment comprises “intra-articular” infiltration of local anesthetic with hydrocortisone and seems to give prompt, complete, and prolonged relief.