Precordial catch syndrome
Encyclopedia
Precordial Catch Syndrome (PCS), also known as Texidor's twinge, is a common cause of chest pain
complaints in children and adolescents
. It also occurs, though less frequently, in adults. PCS manifests itself as a very intense, sharp pain, typically at the left side of the chest, which is worse when taking breaths. Patients often think that they are having a heart attack which causes them to panic. This pain typically lasts from 30 seconds to a few minutes. Though some episodes last just a few breaths, in rare cases they can persist for up to 30 minutes. On some occasions, breathing in or out suddenly will cause a small popping or cracking sensation in the chest, which results in the pain going away. In most cases the pain is resolved quickly and completely.
s, one being Miller himself. In 1978, PCS was discussed by Sparrow and Bird who reported that 45 healthy patients suffered from it and that it was probably more frequent than generally assumed. PCS has also been reported on by Pickering in 1981 and by Reynolds in 1989 who did a report of the children in the US with the condition. These constitute the literature available on PCS.
s begin with a sudden onset of anterior chest pain on the left side of the chest. The pain is localized and does not radiate like heart attack
pain typically does. Breathing in, and sometimes breathing out, often intensifies the pain. Moving also intensifies the pain. Typically this causes the patient to freeze in place and breathe shallowly until the episode passes. Episodes typically last a couple of seconds to three minutes. The frequency of episodes varies by patient, sometimes occurring daily, multiple episodes each day, or years between episodes. This is believed to be localized cramping of certain muscle groups. Intensity of pain can vary from a dull annoying pain to intense pain causing momentary vision loss/blurriness.
Although deep inhalation during a PCS attack will likely cause an increase in pain, many have found that forcing themselves to breathe as deeply as possible will result in a "popping" or "ripping" sensation which quickly and completely resolves the PCS episode.
PCS episodes happen most often while sitting or lying down, and being inactive.
for PCS. However PCS is not believed to be dangerous, and generally not seen as a problem. Many see the worst part about PCS to be the fear that this chest pain is an indicator of a heart attack or other dangerous condition. Correctly identifying PCS can relieve those fears. PCS should only occasionally interfere with normal activity, and there is no reason to use any form of medication
.
Chest pain
Chest pain may be a symptom of a number of serious conditions and is generally considered a medical emergency. Even though it may be determined that the pain is non-cardiac in origin, this is often a diagnosis of exclusion made after ruling out more serious causes of the pain.-Differential...
complaints in children and adolescents
Adolescence
Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental human development generally occurring between puberty and legal adulthood , but largely characterized as beginning and ending with the teenage stage...
. It also occurs, though less frequently, in adults. PCS manifests itself as a very intense, sharp pain, typically at the left side of the chest, which is worse when taking breaths. Patients often think that they are having a heart attack which causes them to panic. This pain typically lasts from 30 seconds to a few minutes. Though some episodes last just a few breaths, in rare cases they can persist for up to 30 minutes. On some occasions, breathing in or out suddenly will cause a small popping or cracking sensation in the chest, which results in the pain going away. In most cases the pain is resolved quickly and completely.
History
The syndrome was first described and named by Miller and Texidor in 1955. They reported the condition in 10 patientPatient
A patient is any recipient of healthcare services. The patient is most often ill or injured and in need of treatment by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, veterinarian, or other health care provider....
s, one being Miller himself. In 1978, PCS was discussed by Sparrow and Bird who reported that 45 healthy patients suffered from it and that it was probably more frequent than generally assumed. PCS has also been reported on by Pickering in 1981 and by Reynolds in 1989 who did a report of the children in the US with the condition. These constitute the literature available on PCS.
Symptoms
PCS has consistent characteristics. Its symptomSymptom
A symptom is a departure from normal function or feeling which is noticed by a patient, indicating the presence of disease or abnormality...
s begin with a sudden onset of anterior chest pain on the left side of the chest. The pain is localized and does not radiate like heart attack
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
pain typically does. Breathing in, and sometimes breathing out, often intensifies the pain. Moving also intensifies the pain. Typically this causes the patient to freeze in place and breathe shallowly until the episode passes. Episodes typically last a couple of seconds to three minutes. The frequency of episodes varies by patient, sometimes occurring daily, multiple episodes each day, or years between episodes. This is believed to be localized cramping of certain muscle groups. Intensity of pain can vary from a dull annoying pain to intense pain causing momentary vision loss/blurriness.
Although deep inhalation during a PCS attack will likely cause an increase in pain, many have found that forcing themselves to breathe as deeply as possible will result in a "popping" or "ripping" sensation which quickly and completely resolves the PCS episode.
PCS episodes happen most often while sitting or lying down, and being inactive.
Causes
The cause of PCS is unknown. Miller and Texidor suggested that the pain may originate in the parietal pleura of the lungs. Exeer suggested that this pain originate from intercostal muscle spasm and after release of spasm the pain will subside (6). The pain is most likely not of cardiac origin.Treatment
There is no known cureCure
A cure is a completely effective treatment for a disease.The Cure is an English rock band.Cure, or similar, may also refer to:-Film and television:* The Cure , a short film starring Charlie Chaplin...
for PCS. However PCS is not believed to be dangerous, and generally not seen as a problem. Many see the worst part about PCS to be the fear that this chest pain is an indicator of a heart attack or other dangerous condition. Correctly identifying PCS can relieve those fears. PCS should only occasionally interfere with normal activity, and there is no reason to use any form of medication
Medication
A pharmaceutical drug, also referred to as medicine, medication or medicament, can be loosely defined as any chemical substance intended for use in the medical diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of disease.- Classification :...
.