Female chest pain left side
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Female Left-Sided Chest Pain: Causes and Considerations
Acute Chest Pain in Healthy Females
Acute chest pain in otherwise healthy females can be alarming and may have various etiologies. A case study of a 39-year-old woman with acute left-sided chest pain revealed normal physical examination, laboratory tests, and ECG results. Imaging studies, including chest radiography and CT, were necessary to rule out serious conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, and pulmonary infarction. The final diagnosis in this case was epipericardial fat necrosis, a rare and self-limiting condition that can mimic more severe cardiac events.
Chronic Left-Sided Chest Pain
Chronic left-sided chest pain can also have diverse origins. A 43-year-old woman experienced left-sided chest pain for a year, which was eventually diagnosed as an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the chest wall. This benign condition was identified through imaging and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and was treated with surgical excision.
Neurological and Cardiovascular Symptoms
In older females, chest pain can be associated with neurological deficits and cardiovascular changes. A 71-year-old woman presented with left-sided chest pain alongside neurological symptoms such as slurred speech and facial droop. This case highlights the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis, including cardiovascular and neurological evaluations, when assessing chest pain in elderly patients.
Tietze Syndrome
Tietze syndrome, characterized by inflammation of the costal cartilages, can also present as left-sided chest pain. A 34-year-old woman with unexplained left-sided chest pain was diagnosed with Tietze syndrome after ruling out cardiovascular and pulmonary causes. Chiropractic management, including joint manipulation and cryotherapy, was effective in reducing her pain.
Gender Differences in Chest Pain Presentation
Gender differences play a significant role in the presentation of chest pain. A study from the Korean Women’s Chest Pain Registry found that women with obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) often experience dull pain in the retrosternal and epigastric areas, unlike men who report more squeezing pain on the left side of the chest. These findings suggest that left-sided chest pain in women may not always indicate OCAD and that emotional stress and dizziness can decrease the probability of OCAD in females.
Rare Conditions
Rare conditions such as congenital complete absence of the pericardium and spontaneous esophageal rupture (Boerhaave Syndrome) can also present with left-sided chest pain. These conditions require thorough imaging and clinical evaluation to diagnose accurately .
Conclusion
Left-sided chest pain in females can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from benign conditions like Tietze syndrome and epipericardial fat necrosis to more serious issues such as aneurysmal bone cysts and neurological deficits. Gender differences in pain presentation should be considered in the diagnostic process. Comprehensive clinical evaluation and appropriate imaging are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
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