- Pediatrics
Precordial Catch Syndrome
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Learn about precordial catch syndrome (Texidor's twinge)
Precordial catch syndrome (PCS), also called Texidor's twinge, is chest wall pain that occurs when nerves in front of the chest are aggravated. It is not caused by trauma or underlying heart, lung or gastrointestinal disorders. However, if your child has a new or worsening chest pain that has not yet been evaluated by an in-person doctor, then it is very strongly recommended that the child be evaluated right away to rule out rare but potentially life-threatening causes of chest pain.
Once an in-person doctor has determined that your child has PCS, then it’s a relief to know that this pain is not a medical emergency, and it usually causes no harm. It mostly affects older children and adolescents.
Precordial catch syndrome causes
The cause of precordial catch syndrome is unknown but thought to be due to musculoskeletal issues in the chest wall, most commonly causing brief sharp episodes of pain along the left side of the sternum (breastbone).
Precordial catch syndrome symptoms
The primary symptom of precordial catch syndrome is sharp but brief chest pain along the left side of the breastbone that lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes at a time. Your child may take shallow breaths or gentle breaths to avoid the sharp pain.
The pain may have a sudden onset, especially when your child is at rest.
How to treat precordial catch syndrome
If your doctor thinks your child has PCS, no specific treatment is needed. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to treat pain.
How to prevent precordial catch syndrome
PCS is sometimes caused by growth spurts, which are not preventable.
Other causes of pediatric chest pain, such as chest trauma and poor posture, can be avoided. Because symptoms typically arise when slouching or resting, standing or sitting upright may help prevent future episodes.
When to see a doctor for precordial catch syndrome
If you or your child has new or unexpected chest pain, seek in-person medical attention immediately. Your doctor will perform a careful history and physical examination to rule out potential heart or lung emergencies.
Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
Nausea
Lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Severe headache
Intense pain that limits the ability to move or speak
In rare situations, it could be a more serious condition, such as a heart attack or heart-related emergency.
Precordial catch syndrome treatment FAQs
How common is precordial catch syndrome?
PCS is a very uncommon cause of chest pain in children and adolescents.
What triggers precordial catch syndrome?
PCS has no clear triggers. Although sudden chest pain can feel scary, PCS is not caused by heart or lung problems. Medical professionals think that the pain caused by PCS occurs when nerves become pinched or irritated in the inner lining of the chest wall, although the exact cause is not known.
How do you know if you have precordial catch syndrome?
The only symptom of PCS is a sharp, often severe pain that occurs on the left side of the chest along the breastbone Although PCS can cause intense chest pain, this pain is temporary, typically lasting between 30 seconds and 3 minutes.
While PCS is a harmless condition, chest pain may also be related to other health conditions, such as heart and lung problems. If you or your child is experiencing chest pain, see an in-person doctor immediately to rule out underlying health conditions.
Is precordial catch syndrome serious?
PCS is a non-serious condition. It is an uncommon cause of benign chest pain in children, adolescents, and young adults
While sharp pain may feel uncomfortable, PCS does not require any specific treatment. Most children and adolescents outgrow PCS by their 20s.
Can precordial catch syndrome be caused by stress?
There is no clear cause of PCS. For some people, PCS may arise after a growth spurt or injury. For others, PCS may arise due to stress or anxiety.
How common is precordial catch syndrome in adults?
Although PCS can occur at any age, the condition is extremely rare in adults. PCS, although rare, most often occurs between 6 and 12 years of age.
Is there a link between PCS and anxiety?
Although PCS is harmless, the unexpectedness and intensity of precordial pain may cause children or teens to feel panicked that they are experiencing a medical emergency. As a result, PCS may cause anxiety in children and teens.
3 simple steps to request precordial catch syndrome consultation today
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Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your child’s precordial catch syndrome symptoms. Please make sure your child is present during this appointment.
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Step 3
Discuss a care plan with your online doctor.
Related conditions to precordial catch syndrome
Chest pain may be the symptom of an underlying condition. Fortunately, most pediatric chest pain is caused by benign or self-limited illnesses. If your child is experiencing a new or worsening chest pain, please take them for in-person care immediately.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux can cause chest or stomach pain. Sometimes, acid reflux-related pain manifests as a burning sensation.
Unlike PCS, acid reflux pain may vary with eating. Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter medications to treat acid reflux and its associated symptoms.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis involves pain between the breastbone and the ribs. The condition is common in adolescent and pre-adolescent females but can affect anyone at any age.
Frequently caused by viral illness, upper respiratory symptoms often accompany costochondritis. Symptoms can last for several weeks.
Stress and anxiety
If left unchecked, stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms in children and adolescents. Stress-related pain is typically dull and worsens with stress.
Common stressors in children include the death of a loved one, school exams, and relationship conflicts.
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Precordial catch syndrome treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
BMJ Journals. Precordial catch syndrome. Accessed on May 24, 2022. https://adc.bmj.com/content/56/5/401.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Chest pain. Accessed on May 24, 2022. https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/chest-pain
Texas Children's Hospital. Sharp chest pain? Your child might have PCS. Accessed on May 24, 2022. https://www.texaschildrens.org/blog/sharp-chest-pain-your-child-might-have-pcs
Causes of nontraumatic chest pain in children and adolescents. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/causes-of-nontraumatic-chest-pain-in-children-and-adolescents. Last updated: April 08, 2023 Literature review current through: March 2024 Publisher: UpToDate, Inc. Access date: May 29, 2024
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.