Pain on right side of chest
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Persistent Right-Sided Chest Pain: Causes and Diagnoses
Right-sided chest pain can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, ranging from benign to life-threatening. This article synthesizes findings from multiple case studies to provide a comprehensive overview of potential causes and diagnostic considerations for right-sided chest pain.
Esophageal Microperforation and Empyema Thoracis
One rare but serious cause of persistent right-sided chest pain is esophageal microperforation, which can lead to empyema thoracis. A case study described a 64-year-old male who presented with right-sided chest pain exacerbated by breathing and coughing. Imaging revealed multiple opacified lesions in the right lung and an encapsulated pleural effusion, indicating the presence of a foreign body in the esophagus. This condition requires prompt medical intervention to prevent severe complications.
Pneumothorax and Vigorous Exercise
Recurrent right-sided chest pain can also be associated with pneumothorax, particularly in individuals engaging in vigorous exercise. A 34-year-old woman experienced sharp, pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea during her menstrual cycle and after intense physical activity. Chest radiographs confirmed a small apical pneumothorax, which was managed with high-flow oxygen. This highlights the importance of considering pneumothorax in patients with similar presentations.
Pleuritic Chest Pain and Differential Diagnoses
Pleuritic chest pain, characterized by pain that worsens with deep inspiration, can have various etiologies. A 33-year-old man presented with right-sided chest pain radiating from his shoulder blade, accompanied by mild leg swelling. Despite the absence of common symptoms like cough or fever, the pain's pleuritic nature suggested a complex underlying cause . This case underscores the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in patients with pleuritic chest pain.
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, an inflammation of the perihepatic capsules associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, can present atypically with right-sided chest pain. A reported case involved a young woman with severe right upper quadrant pain, initially misinterpreted as chest pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent chronic complications.
Menstrual-Related Chest Pain
Chest pain related to the menstrual cycle can also be a diagnostic challenge. A 33-year-old woman experienced right-sided chest pain that worsened during her menstrual periods. Physical examination revealed diminished breath sounds and increased fremitus, suggesting a possible link between hormonal changes and respiratory symptoms.
Hydropneumothorax and Dyspnea
A 45-year-old woman with progressive dyspnea and right-sided chest pain was diagnosed with hydropneumothorax. Despite initial antibiotic treatment and thoracentesis, her symptoms persisted, indicating the need for further diagnostic procedures to identify the underlying cause.
Postpartum Chest Pain and Cardiovascular Risk
Postpartum women may experience atypical chest pain due to cardiovascular issues. A 28-year-old woman presented with right-sided chest pain and was found to have a critical lesion in the proximal left anterior descending artery upon further investigation . This case highlights the importance of considering cardiovascular risk factors in postpartum women presenting with chest pain.
Chest Pain with Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections can also manifest as right-sided chest pain. A man in his 60s experienced chest pain at rest, accompanied by symptoms of a cold. Physical examination revealed tenderness at the costochondral margins, suggesting a musculoskeletal origin of the pain.
Conclusion
Right-sided chest pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from esophageal perforations and pneumothorax to cardiovascular issues and respiratory infections. Accurate diagnosis requires careful consideration of the patient's history, physical examination findings, and appropriate imaging studies. Early identification and treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic