Research has described the condition to be both sudden and gradual, varying by the individual. Pain and swelling from Tietze syndrome are typically chronic and intermittent and can last from a few days to several weeks.The most common symptom of Tietze syndrome is pain, primarily in the chest, but can also radiate to the shoulder and arm. The pain has been described as aching, gripping, neuralgic, sharp, dull, and even described as "gas pains". The symptoms of Tietze syndrome have been reported to be exacerbated by sneezing, coughing, deep inhalation, and overall physical exertion. Tenderness and swelling of the affected joint are important symptoms of Tietze syndrome and differentiate the condition from costochondritis. It has also been suggested that discomfort can be further aggravated due to restricted shoulder and chest movement. Cause
The true etiology of Tietze syndrome has not been established, though several theories have been proposed. One popular theory is based on observations that many patients begin developing symptoms following a respiratory infection and dry cough, with one study finding 51 out of 65 patients contracted Tietze syndrome after either a cough or respiratory infection. Thus, it has been hypothesized that the repetitive mild trauma of a severe cough from a respiratory infection may produce small tears in the ligament called microtrauma, causing Tietze syndrome. However, this theory is disputed as it does not account for symptoms such as the onset of attacks while at rest as well as the fact that swelling sometimes develops before a cough.
One study describes a case in which surgeons resected a large amount of cartilage, including minutely hypertrophied tissue, as a previous resection failed to relieve symptoms which is believed to be due to improperly resected margins. There is limited literature on surgical treatment of this disease, and overall research on the treatment of severe, chronic forms of Tietze syndrome. History
Tietze syndrome was named after and first described in 1921 by German surgeon Alexander Tietze. Tietze first cited 4 cases in Germany of painful swelling where he originally believed the condition was as a result of tuberculosis or wartime malnutrition. References


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