Texidor’s Twinge: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Also known as Precordial Catch Syndrome (PCS) or stitch in the side, Texidor’s twinge is a harmless condition, which is characterized by a sharp needle-like pain in the chest. This pain worsens when a person breathes heavily and does not last for more than a couple of minutes. This pain in this condition does not radiate anywhere else. Texidor’s twinge is more commonly seen in children and young adults. Older adults and aged individuals are less likely to be affected by Texidors Twinge. This condition is commonly mistaken for a more serious condition, such as heart attack because of the similarity in the signs and symptoms.

The exact cause and pathology of the Texidor’s Twinge is not known. The pain starts in the rib or cartilage area along with the parietal pleura. The symptoms of Texidor’s Twinge are not cardiac or pericardial in nature though can be mistaken for it. Precordial pain worsens with any physical movement, however mild the inhaling and exhaling. This pain hinders with a person’s daily activities of living. Patients who have Texidor’s Twinge tend to breathe in a shallow manner so that there is no increase in pain. The intensity of the pain of Texidor’s Twinge varies from person to person. Majority of the patients experience a stabbing pain on the left side of the chest region where the heart is located. The pain of Texidor’s Twinge is often very acute and short-lived.

Pain is the main symptom of Texidor’s Twinge. The intensity of the pain can range from acute to mild and can last for a couple of minutes. Precordial pain or Texidor’s Twinge becomes worse when the patient is lying down. The symptoms of pain of Texidor’s Twinge can occur more than once a week. Individuals who are inactive or those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk for developing Texidor’s Twinge. Some of the common symptoms of Texidor’s Twinge are:

• The onset of the pain of Texidor’s Twinge is sudden in nature.
• Patient suffering from Texidor’s Twinge feels pain upon breathing.
• Patient feels pain upon movement.
• One of the symptoms of Texidor’s Twinge is that when the patient tries to breathe deeply, he/she experiences a popping sensation.
• The pain of Texidor’s Twinge is localized to one region and does not radiate.
• The quality of the pain of Texidor’s Twinge is usually stabbing or sharp in nature.
• Pain of Texidor’s Twinge can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes.
• Symptoms of Pain is experienced even when the person is at rest
• There are symptoms of muscle spasm/cramp along with anterior chest pain.
• The pain can also be dull and annoying.
• One of the symptoms of Texidor’s Twinge is there is a ripping feeling when the patient takes deep breaths.
• The symptoms of pain of Texidor’s Twinge can also be pricking in nature.
• Deep breathing exacerbates the pain.
• There is a dull ache present even after pain subsides.
• There can be a temporary loss of vision.
• Blurry vision can also be present.
• Patient has paresthesias.
• There can be flushing and palpitations.
• Patient has shallow breathing.
• The pain of Texidor’s Twinge resolves suddenly with no abnormal physical findings
• Patient has pallor.
• Patient can experience syncope or near syncope.

Patients who are suffering from Texidor’s Twinge need to be reassured that this is a benign condition until unless it is associated with other disorders. It is important to diagnose Texidor’s Twinge correctly to prevent unnecessary agitation for the patient and to get appropriate treatment. The diagnostic evaluation consists of taking patient’s medical history and a detailed physical examination. Other diagnostic investigations are rarely required for this condition; however, few tests which can be done to rule out a more serious condition and to confirm Texidor’s Twinge include:

• Echocardiography.
• Electrocardiography.
• Barium studies.
• Radiography.

The first step in managing Texidor’s Twinge includes careful observation and monitoring of the patient. A thorough discussion should be carried out between the patient and the doctor. The aim of this discussion is to reassure the patient and his/her family that this is not a fatal condition, but is in fact a benign condition. A detailed examination and discussion is done of the occurring symptoms to differentiate it with other cardiac disorders. On the basis of the diagnosis, Texidor’s Twinge can be treated by the following simple steps:

• Treatment of Texidor’s Twinge includes making the Patient lie down on the bed with the face placed in a downward position.
• Patient suffering from Texidor’s Twinge should breathe in a shallow manner whenever he/she has this pain.
• Sudden deep breathing helps in reducing the muscle spasm associated with Texidor’s Twinge.
• Medications or other drugs are not required for treating this condition, as the pain of Texidor’s Twinge lasts anywhere between 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Correct diagnosis helps in removing the fear and anxiety of this disorder.

As mentioned previously, Texidor’s Twinge is a benign disorder and does not indicate any danger to the patient. Even though there is rapid onset of the symptoms, they resolve at a much faster rate too. Life expectancy in this condition depends on the individual person’s life style and other existing medical conditions of the patient.

People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to suffering from Texidor’s Twinge. Therefore, to prevent Texidor’s Twinge, a person should try to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Patients should also be aware that Texidor’s Twinge is temporary and usually resolves with time; hence, there is no need for the patient to panic. Even though Texidor’s Twinge is not a serious condition, it is imperative that the patient consult his/her doctor immediately, especially if the patient, be it a child or an adolescent, is suffering from frequent pain on the left side of the chest or arm, which continues to be present even after 24 hours.