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Is A Shadow Noticed In A Thalium Stress Test When Diagnosed With Costochondritis A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Thu, 4 Jan 2024
Question: Hello, I am a 30 yo, overweight but active male. I started experiencing rib and chest pain 4 months ago and was given an ekg, blood tests and cardiac ultrasound; all came back normal and I was diagnosed with costochondritis. I do not experience pain while excersizing, but pretty badly the next few days after. I was sent to a cardiologist who ran another ekg, normal, and was sent to do a thallium stress test. I just received an alarming call, to me at least, from the nurse saying that although my ekgs during the test were normal, a small shadow was seen on the pictures, but they are not sure if it's an actual problem or "glare from another organ". They have scheduled a cardiac PET scan for next week. I am having massive anxiety and am extremely concerned. My question is, is this at all a common ocurrence or do I have some problems ahead?
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Answered by Dr. Lohit K (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: relax.costochondritis. Cardiac involvement is less Detailed Answer: Hi, I went through your query and understood your concerns. In costochondritis the pain increases with movement and deep breathing, and decreases with rest and quiet breathing. Pressure placed directly on the affected area will also cause significant pain. Since you have pain in ribs and all report came negative the chance of heart involvement is very rare at your age. I advice you to follow some measures 1. Rest and avoiding activities that worsen the pain 2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac. 3. Ice and/or heat packs applied to the area. 4. Gentle stretching of the upper chest (pectoral) muscles. So please do not worry and be relaxed. For stomach pain and acid issues you can take acid suppresants like ranitidine or pantoprazole once daily. Eat healthy food at regular intervals. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Lohit K

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1648 Questions

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Is A Shadow Noticed In A Thalium Stress Test When Diagnosed With Costochondritis A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: relax.costochondritis. Cardiac involvement is less Detailed Answer: Hi, I went through your query and understood your concerns. In costochondritis the pain increases with movement and deep breathing, and decreases with rest and quiet breathing. Pressure placed directly on the affected area will also cause significant pain. Since you have pain in ribs and all report came negative the chance of heart involvement is very rare at your age. I advice you to follow some measures 1. Rest and avoiding activities that worsen the pain 2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac. 3. Ice and/or heat packs applied to the area. 4. Gentle stretching of the upper chest (pectoral) muscles. So please do not worry and be relaxed. For stomach pain and acid issues you can take acid suppresants like ranitidine or pantoprazole once daily. Eat healthy food at regular intervals. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health.