Precordial catch syndrome

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Precordial catch syndrome
Synonyms	Texidor's twinge
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Pediatrics, Family medicine
Symptoms	Sharp, stabbing chest pain
Complications	N/A
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Seconds to minutes
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown
Risks	None
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis
Differential diagnosis	Costochondritis, Pleurisy, Myocardial infarction
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Reassurance, Deep breathing
Medication	None
Prognosis	Excellent
Frequency	Common in adolescents
Deaths	N/A

A benign condition causing sharp chest pain

Precordial catch syndrome (PCS) is a common, benign condition characterized by sudden, sharp chest pain, typically occurring in children and adolescents. The pain is usually localized to the precordial region, which is the area over the heart and lower chest. Despite its alarming nature, PCS is not associated with any serious underlying cardiac or pulmonary conditions.

Presentation

The hallmark symptom of precordial catch syndrome is a sudden onset of sharp, stabbing pain in the chest. This pain is often described as being localized to a small area, usually on the left side of the chest, near the heart. The pain is typically brief, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, and may occur sporadically. It is often exacerbated by deep breathing or changes in posture, such as standing up or bending over. Patients with PCS do not usually experience other symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, or dizziness. The pain is not related to physical activity and does not radiate to other parts of the body, distinguishing it from other causes of chest pain such as angina or myocardial infarction.

Etiology

The exact cause of precordial catch syndrome is unknown. It is thought to be related to irritation of the nerves in the chest wall, possibly due to a spasm of the intercostal muscles or irritation of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs. The condition is more common in children and adolescents, and it often resolves spontaneously with age.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of precordial catch syndrome is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic presentation of symptoms. A thorough medical history and physical examination are usually sufficient to distinguish PCS from other more serious causes of chest pain. In most cases, no further diagnostic testing is necessary. However, if the clinical presentation is atypical or if there is concern for other conditions, additional tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, or echocardiogram may be performed to rule out other causes of chest pain.

Management

Treatment for precordial catch syndrome is generally not required, as the condition is benign and self-limiting. Reassurance and education are the mainstays of management, helping patients and their families understand that the condition is not dangerous and will likely improve with time. In some cases, simple measures such as changing posture, taking slow, deep breaths, or applying gentle pressure to the affected area may help alleviate the pain. Over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used if the pain is particularly bothersome, although they are often not necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with precordial catch syndrome is excellent. The condition is benign and does not lead to any long-term health problems. Most individuals experience a decrease in the frequency and intensity of episodes as they age, with many outgrowing the condition by adulthood.

See also

• Chest pain
• Intercostal muscle
• Pleura
• Adolescent health