I have discovered something during my revision which may actually be of use in a wider sense.
The "precordial catch syndrome" is a common yet under-recognized cause of benign chest pain in adolescents. The syndrome has a remarkably consistent, characteristic presentation and is therefore easily diagnosed. Nonetheless, it frequently leads to elaborate testing and/or referral to a paediatric cardiologist and can be a source of considerable anxiety.
The syndrome was first termed "precordial catch" by Miller and Texidor in 1955. They characterized the condition as presenting with sudden onset, with sharp, stabbing, well-localized precordial pain, and reported its occurrence in 10 patients, 1 of whom was Miller himself. Later authors coined the phrase "Texidor’s twinge".
I think I may have this. If so, I'm sure that at least one of you has too. Otherwise I'm just going mad.
Characteristics of precordial catch syndrome:
- Sudden onset
- Occurs most frequently at rest
- Very well localized
- Sharp, stabbing, needlelike pain
- Exacerbated by deep breathing
- Each episode lasts for 30 seconds to 3 minutes
- Sudden, complete resolution
- No associated symptoms
- No abnormal physical findings
Let me know if I'm not alone....
* Please note that this posting does not constitute medical advice. If you are feeling unwell when you read this it would be unwise to seek such advice in a blog. Call an ambulance and get sorted out properly. *
