Tietze's syndrome is inflammation of the cartilage (tough, flexible tissue) that joins your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). This area of cartilage is known as the costochondral joint.
When the costochondral joint becomes inflamed, it results in pain, tenderness and (in the case of Tietze’s syndrome) swelling over the ribs and cartilage around the breastbone (see Tietze’s syndrome – symptoms for more information).
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection, irritation or injury. It is not known why the costochondral joint becomes inflamed, but in some cases it has been linked to respiratory infections and excessive coughing.
It is not known how many people are affected by Tietze’s syndrome in the UK, but the condition is believed to be rare. Tietze’s syndrome is more common in young adults.
Tietze’s syndrome vs costochondritis
Tietze’s syndrome is sometimes confused with another similar condition called costochondritis. Costochondritis is also an inflammation of the costchondrial joint, which causes pain and tenderness, but there is no swelling.
The rest of these pages refer to Tietze’s syndrome, but the advice is also applicable to costochondritis.
Outlook
Tietze's syndrome tends to improve on its own after a few weeks. However, you may still have some swelling after the pain and tenderness have gone.
Many people can relieve the symptoms of Tietze’s syndrome themselves with rest and by using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control the pain and swelling (see Tietze’s syndrome – treatment for more information).
The symptoms of Tietze's syndrome can disappear very quickly or come and go for several years.