Tietze syndrome vs Costochondritis: which condition has palpable edema?

• A. Tietze syndrome has edema
• B. Costochondritis has edema
• C. Both have edema
• D. Neither has edema

Answer: (A)

Palpable edema at the costochondral junction is a feature that helps distinguish Tietze syndrome from costochondritis. Tietze syndrome causes inflammatory swelling of the costal cartilage with a visible or felt lump and tenderness in the affected area. Costochondritis, on the other hand, presents with chest wall pain and tenderness but without a palpable swelling or edema. So, when edema of the chest wall over a rib junction is present, it points toward Tietze syndrome; absence of edema with localized tenderness favors costochondritis.