Perichondritis (Tietze's syndrome) at the xiphisternal joint: a mimic of severe disease

Tietze's syndrome (peristernal chondritis or perichondritis) is a self-limited, painful inflammatory condition of the costochondral, sternoclavicular, manubriosternal or xiphisternal junctions. It is benign, and affects all ages, sexes and races equally. The principal manifestations are pain and, frequently, a mass most commonly at the costochondral junctions. In 1974, C.J. described the first cases to be reported at the xiphisternal junction. We describe here 24 cases at that site. These patients' presenting symptoms suggested cardiac, pulmonary, intraabdominal and other severe disease processes. Diagnosis was made on clinical grounds based on a high index of suspicion. Treatment comprised infiltration of local anesthetic to the afflicted joints with prompt, complete and prolonged relief in 21 (87.5%) of the cases, and complete temporary relief in three (12.5%). We suggest that a possible mechanism for the referral of pain is the relationship of the xiphisternal joint to a variety of structures including autonomic nerves that accompany the internal mammary arteries.