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Transient swelling of the costochondral and sternal region in infants
C B Howard1, M Nyska, I Meller
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Ein Karem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Acute tender chest swelling in infants, often sternum or cartilage related, may resolve without invasive procedures. This suggests less aggressive diagnostic approaches may be suitable for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Acute chest wall swelling in infants is uncommon.
- Differential diagnoses often include neoplastic or infectious etiologies.
- Previous literature lacks reports of this specific condition in infants.
Observation:
- Four infants (9 months to 1 year 4 months) presented with acute tender sternum/sternocostal cartilage swelling.
- Three cases resolved spontaneously within weeks.
- One case required curettage.
Findings:
- This presentation appears to be a distinct, self-limiting condition in infants.
- Spontaneous resolution is a common outcome.
- Invasive diagnostics like aspiration and biopsy may not always be necessary.
Implications:
- Challenges the necessity of aggressive diagnostic workup for all infant chest wall swellings.
- Suggests a less invasive management strategy may be appropriate for this specific condition.
- Highlights the need for further research into pediatric chest wall masses.
Abstract:
Four children aged 9 months, 11 months, 1 year, and 1 year 4 months, respectively, presented to the emergency room with an acute tender swelling of the sternum or sternocostal cartilage. Three of these resolved spontaneously within a few weeks of presentation, and in one curettage was carried out. We were unable to find any other references in the literature of this condition occurring in infants. Acute swelling of the chest wall frequently is due to neoplastic or infectious disease, and culture of aspirated material and possibly biopsy has been recommended in all cases. Our experience suggests that this may not always be necessary.