Right upper chest pain female
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Right Upper Chest Pain in Females: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Right upper chest pain in females can be attributed to various underlying conditions, ranging from musculoskeletal injuries to more complex syndromes. This article synthesizes findings from recent research to provide a comprehensive overview of potential causes and diagnostic approaches.
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Trauma-Induced Pain
Trauma and Falls One common cause of right upper chest pain in females is trauma, such as falls. A case study of a 68-year-old woman who fell down 12 stairs highlights this scenario. She presented with right shoulder and chest wall pain, bruising, and tenderness, and was unable to move her right arm due to pain. Imaging, including chest radiographs and CT scans, was crucial in characterizing the injury and guiding treatment.
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome: A Diagnostic Challenge
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome (FHC) Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is another potential cause of right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, which can extend to the chest. This condition is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. A study aimed at developing a decision rule for predicting FHC in sexually active females aged 13-20 years identified four key features: pleuritic chest pain, tenderness over the anterior liver border, worsening pain in the right lateral position, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The decision rule showed a positive predictive value of 75%, indicating its potential utility in early identification of FHC.
Mediastinal Masses: A Rare but Serious Cause
Mediastinal Masses In some cases, right upper chest pain may be due to more serious underlying conditions such as mediastinal masses. A 52-year-old woman presented with severe right upper abdominal pain and nonpleuritic, right-sided lower chest-wall pain, which had progressively worsened over five months. Despite the absence of respiratory symptoms, imaging revealed an elevated right-sided hemidiaphragm, suggesting a slow-growing mediastinal mass. This case underscores the importance of thorough imaging and clinical evaluation in patients with persistent and unexplained chest pain.
Conclusion
Right upper chest pain in females can stem from various causes, including trauma, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, and mediastinal masses. Accurate diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and specific diagnostic criteria. Understanding these potential causes and their diagnostic approaches can aid in timely and effective management of right upper chest pain in females.
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