J Rheumatol
-
We identified patients presenting with chest pain diagnosed as costochondritis by a consultant rheumatologist. The time taken to diagnosis was determined and the influence of diagnosis on subsequent management was assessed. We then estimated any cost benefits that early diagnosis and treatment of costochondritis might confer. Finally, we evaluated our current experience of sulfasalazine as a treatment for recurrent costochondritis. ⋯ Patients with costochondritis frequently present with acute chest pain, often resulting in multiple admissions and investigations. In this study admission and investigation rates were significantly reduced following rheumatological review. How much of this reduction is directly a result of rheumatological intervention is unclear, given the limitations of the study. The findings suggest early review may improve patient care and reduce expenditure; in recurrent cases of costochondritis, sulfasalazine may be of additional longterm benefit.