Pleurodynia

Updated: July 17, 2024

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Background

Pleurodynia is an infectious viral disease which is also called epidemic myalgia or Bornholm disease. It is characterized by the short-term severe chest stabbing pain and high temperature. The definition of “pleurodynia” came from the Greek words “pleura” meaning “rib or side” and “odynia” or “pain”. 

The main etiological agent of pleurodynia is Coxsackievirus B which belongs to Coxsackievirus genus of Enterovirus. The most prominent feature of pleurodynia is chest pain which tends to be worsened by motion or breathing. The pain may be referred to the lumbar or abdomen. The viral infection is transmitted through the air which is caused by coughing and sneezing. The virus can be transmitted via direct personal contact by touching contaminated surfaces and the other routes.  

Epidemiology

The occurrence characteristic of pleurodynia is sporadic. There are events that could be identified in different places around the globe. The main season for the incidence of pleurodynia is September through October. Advance enteroviruses such as Coxsackievirus B have also been related to increased cases during this hot season period. Unlike other illnesses pleurodynia occur comparatively more in young adults and children than in any other age group. Older adults may be also immersed but severe cases and complications are less likely to hit this cluster of age. Enteroviruses including the Coxsackievirus B are primarily transmitted through oral-fecal route and respiratory secretions.  

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

Coxsackievirus B enters the body’s system through the airways or intestinal tract that can occur via droplets or fecal-oral transmission. The main route it follows is via mucous membrane cells in the respiratory or digestive systems. And the circulation of blood stream allows it to cause systemic involvement. The virus is a significant attribution factor to muscle tissue that can be felt as pleuritis. The virus gets into muscle cells and damages them making them become inflamed. The infection generates an immune reaction and hence the fever tiredness and muscle pains become the results. Sarcopenia the pathological inflammation of muscles is the primary indication of pleurodynia. The chest pain is said to be triggered by the muscle intercostal muscle involvement. 

Etiology

Enterovirus B popularly referred to as Coxsackievirus B is the principal potential contributor to stabilia which is the medical condition. On top of it hepatitis enteritis and respiratory affections are among the caused diseases. In addition to Echoviruses other strains and types of enteroviruses have been linked. People’s resistance to the developing condition varies across the population; those who have never encountered the serotype before are more at risk. Some protection might come from wild-type infection immunity (especially serious cases). Published literature frequently emphasizes that pleurodynia and enterovirus infections have typical seasonal distribution with the peak incidence in the heating season approximately end of summer and early autumn. 

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

While pleurodynia can be experienced by men and women of any age it is typically seen in children and adolescents. In this age groups however the illness is usually mild and the prognosis is excellent. The nature of my symptoms especially the chest pain intensity and the portion of the body involved may have an impact on how I experience this disease. Mild cases that involve minimal or less severe symptoms usually have a good recovery. Appearance of a complication in connection with pleurodynia is not common but is possible. Cases of myocarditis or pericarditis for instance can occur in certain instances. The occurrence of difficulties complicates a patient’s prognosis and they may need further medical support. 

Clinical History

Pleurodynia is not common in children while the condition is often less severe in this age range.  

Physical Examination

Chest pain and assessment 

Musculoskeletal Exam 

Vital Signs 

Age group

Associated comorbidity

Immunocompromised Individuals: Cases with pleurisy especially those in people with poor immunity levels may become very painful. 
Pregnant Women: Symptoms are comparable with the general adult population but the close monitoring of disease progression is essential since pregnancy exposes women to the threat of viral infections. 
Active Individuals: Instances such as an exhaustive workout can trigger obvious symptoms that might have a negative effect on the athlete’s performance. 
Acuity of Presentation: The classic scenario of pleurodynia involves features that include acute onset of symptoms in some cases associated with fever muscle malaise and joint pains. 
Severity of Chest Pain: The severity symptoms varies from mild to severe however coughing is typically aggravated by movement deeps breathing and examination. 

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

Sudden Onset: 

  • Pleurodynia typically presents with a sudden onset of symptoms. 
  • The abrupt development of severe chest pain is a key feature, often leading individuals to seek medical attention. 

Fever and Malaise: 

  • Fever, along with general malaise and muscle aches, may accompany chest pain. 
  • The overall acuity of the presentation can vary, with some individuals experiencing more systemic symptoms than others. 

Severity of Chest Pain: 

  • The severity of chest pain varies, and it may range from mild to severe. 
  • Pain is often worsened by movement, deep breathing, or palpation of the affected area. 

Differential Diagnoses

Pneumonia 

Pleuritis  

Pulmonary Embolism 

Myocardial Infarction  

Costochondritis 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease  

Musculoskeletal Strain 

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

Pain Management: Use NSAIDs and analgesics to manage fever and chest pain. 

Rest: Restrict activities that worsen chest pain or strain muscles. 

Hydration: Maintain proper hydration- especially during fever. 

Warm Compresses: Use pads or compresses to relax muscles and reduce discomfort. 

by Stage

by Modality

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

Hormone Therapy

Immunotherapy

Hyperthermia

Photodynamic Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

use-of-a-non-pharmacological-approach-for-treating-pleurodynia

Rest and Activity Modification 

Breathing Exercises 

Heat Therapy 

Cold Therapy 

Positional Changes 

Role of Experimental Antiviral Treatments for Pleurodynia

Arbidol: Apuderit (apoderas) a Arbidol la cantidad de daño de las células provocados por el coxsackievirus-5 (CVB5). On the one hand when used both on lab-grown cells and inside living organisms it leads to a decrease in the levels of CVB5-RNA the viral genetic material. By using BALB/c mice as an experimental model for systemic infection with CVB5 this study tested the hypothesis. This reveals that the data provided were obtained when the animals were wholly infected with the CVB5 CVB5. 
Interleukin-12 (IL-12): Through genetically modified one sub-type of Bifidobacterium longum which will be used to deliver this response protein. It reduces the amount of virus (viral titers) and the spleen severity of the virus damage which causes myocarditis or swelling of the heart muscle. Mice of the BALB/c strain was utilized to produce CVB3 in vitro myocarditis through ex vivo inoculation.  

use-of-intervention-with-a-procedure-in-treating-pleurodynia

Intercostal Nerve Block: For pain relief inchest wall (intercostal) insertion of the local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) near the afflicted nerve- which is located between the ribs. Through the interruption of the impulse transmission from afflicted area- the nerve blockade does block the unpleasant symptoms of the inflammation of the lining around the lungs. 

Epidural Analgesia: The given choice may even be taken into account during the times when required. Specifically- the doctor gives the patient sedatives or local anesthetics to desensitize particular areas close to the spine. In his extreme cases- the patient may be assisted by using epidural anesthesia to alleviate or even erase the pain he is feeling in the chest and ribcage. 

use-of-phases-in-managing-pleurodynia

Confirm diagnosis through clinical assessment- medical history review- and diagnostic tests. 

Provide patient education on pleurodynia- its course- and expected symptoms. 

Alleviate pain and discomfort with analgesic medications and rest. 

Consider interventional procedures for severe symptoms. 

Support recovery and return to normal activities. 

Monitor for signs of recurrence or complications. 

Educate on recurrence prevention and managing triggers. 

Medication

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Pleurodynia

Updated : July 17, 2024

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



Pleurodynia is an infectious viral disease which is also called epidemic myalgia or Bornholm disease. It is characterized by the short-term severe chest stabbing pain and high temperature. The definition of “pleurodynia” came from the Greek words “pleura” meaning “rib or side” and “odynia” or “pain”. 

The main etiological agent of pleurodynia is Coxsackievirus B which belongs to Coxsackievirus genus of Enterovirus. The most prominent feature of pleurodynia is chest pain which tends to be worsened by motion or breathing. The pain may be referred to the lumbar or abdomen. The viral infection is transmitted through the air which is caused by coughing and sneezing. The virus can be transmitted via direct personal contact by touching contaminated surfaces and the other routes.  

The occurrence characteristic of pleurodynia is sporadic. There are events that could be identified in different places around the globe. The main season for the incidence of pleurodynia is September through October. Advance enteroviruses such as Coxsackievirus B have also been related to increased cases during this hot season period. Unlike other illnesses pleurodynia occur comparatively more in young adults and children than in any other age group. Older adults may be also immersed but severe cases and complications are less likely to hit this cluster of age. Enteroviruses including the Coxsackievirus B are primarily transmitted through oral-fecal route and respiratory secretions.  

Coxsackievirus B enters the body’s system through the airways or intestinal tract that can occur via droplets or fecal-oral transmission. The main route it follows is via mucous membrane cells in the respiratory or digestive systems. And the circulation of blood stream allows it to cause systemic involvement. The virus is a significant attribution factor to muscle tissue that can be felt as pleuritis. The virus gets into muscle cells and damages them making them become inflamed. The infection generates an immune reaction and hence the fever tiredness and muscle pains become the results. Sarcopenia the pathological inflammation of muscles is the primary indication of pleurodynia. The chest pain is said to be triggered by the muscle intercostal muscle involvement. 

Enterovirus B popularly referred to as Coxsackievirus B is the principal potential contributor to stabilia which is the medical condition. On top of it hepatitis enteritis and respiratory affections are among the caused diseases. In addition to Echoviruses other strains and types of enteroviruses have been linked. People’s resistance to the developing condition varies across the population; those who have never encountered the serotype before are more at risk. Some protection might come from wild-type infection immunity (especially serious cases). Published literature frequently emphasizes that pleurodynia and enterovirus infections have typical seasonal distribution with the peak incidence in the heating season approximately end of summer and early autumn. 

While pleurodynia can be experienced by men and women of any age it is typically seen in children and adolescents. In this age groups however the illness is usually mild and the prognosis is excellent. The nature of my symptoms especially the chest pain intensity and the portion of the body involved may have an impact on how I experience this disease. Mild cases that involve minimal or less severe symptoms usually have a good recovery. Appearance of a complication in connection with pleurodynia is not common but is possible. Cases of myocarditis or pericarditis for instance can occur in certain instances. The occurrence of difficulties complicates a patient’s prognosis and they may need further medical support. 

Pleurodynia is not common in children while the condition is often less severe in this age range.  

Chest pain and assessment 

Musculoskeletal Exam 

Vital Signs 

Immunocompromised Individuals: Cases with pleurisy especially those in people with poor immunity levels may become very painful. 
Pregnant Women: Symptoms are comparable with the general adult population but the close monitoring of disease progression is essential since pregnancy exposes women to the threat of viral infections. 
Active Individuals: Instances such as an exhaustive workout can trigger obvious symptoms that might have a negative effect on the athlete’s performance. 
Acuity of Presentation: The classic scenario of pleurodynia involves features that include acute onset of symptoms in some cases associated with fever muscle malaise and joint pains. 
Severity of Chest Pain: The severity symptoms varies from mild to severe however coughing is typically aggravated by movement deeps breathing and examination. 

Sudden Onset: 

  • Pleurodynia typically presents with a sudden onset of symptoms. 
  • The abrupt development of severe chest pain is a key feature, often leading individuals to seek medical attention. 

Fever and Malaise: 

  • Fever, along with general malaise and muscle aches, may accompany chest pain. 
  • The overall acuity of the presentation can vary, with some individuals experiencing more systemic symptoms than others. 

Severity of Chest Pain: 

  • The severity of chest pain varies, and it may range from mild to severe. 
  • Pain is often worsened by movement, deep breathing, or palpation of the affected area. 

Pneumonia 

Pleuritis  

Pulmonary Embolism 

Myocardial Infarction  

Costochondritis 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease  

Musculoskeletal Strain 

Pain Management: Use NSAIDs and analgesics to manage fever and chest pain. 

Rest: Restrict activities that worsen chest pain or strain muscles. 

Hydration: Maintain proper hydration- especially during fever. 

Warm Compresses: Use pads or compresses to relax muscles and reduce discomfort. 

Rest and Activity Modification 

Breathing Exercises 

Heat Therapy 

Cold Therapy 

Positional Changes 

Arbidol: Apuderit (apoderas) a Arbidol la cantidad de daño de las células provocados por el coxsackievirus-5 (CVB5). On the one hand when used both on lab-grown cells and inside living organisms it leads to a decrease in the levels of CVB5-RNA the viral genetic material. By using BALB/c mice as an experimental model for systemic infection with CVB5 this study tested the hypothesis. This reveals that the data provided were obtained when the animals were wholly infected with the CVB5 CVB5. 
Interleukin-12 (IL-12): Through genetically modified one sub-type of Bifidobacterium longum which will be used to deliver this response protein. It reduces the amount of virus (viral titers) and the spleen severity of the virus damage which causes myocarditis or swelling of the heart muscle. Mice of the BALB/c strain was utilized to produce CVB3 in vitro myocarditis through ex vivo inoculation.  

Intercostal Nerve Block: For pain relief inchest wall (intercostal) insertion of the local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) near the afflicted nerve- which is located between the ribs. Through the interruption of the impulse transmission from afflicted area- the nerve blockade does block the unpleasant symptoms of the inflammation of the lining around the lungs. 

Epidural Analgesia: The given choice may even be taken into account during the times when required. Specifically- the doctor gives the patient sedatives or local anesthetics to desensitize particular areas close to the spine. In his extreme cases- the patient may be assisted by using epidural anesthesia to alleviate or even erase the pain he is feeling in the chest and ribcage. 

Confirm diagnosis through clinical assessment- medical history review- and diagnostic tests. 

Provide patient education on pleurodynia- its course- and expected symptoms. 

Alleviate pain and discomfort with analgesic medications and rest. 

Consider interventional procedures for severe symptoms. 

Support recovery and return to normal activities. 

Monitor for signs of recurrence or complications. 

Educate on recurrence prevention and managing triggers. 

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