Epidemic pleurodynia, a viral illness primarily caused by Coxsackie B viruses, though occasionally by Coxasackie A or echoviruses, manifests as myalgia, inducing pain in the lower chest and upper abdomen. This acute infection targets skeletal muscles, leading to intense paroxysmal chest pain, typically localized to the lower chest or upper abdomen. Fever often accompanies this pain, with pleural inflammation evident in many cases, marked by pleural friction rubs. The disease is self-limiting, lasting several days, with occasional relapses over weeks. Incidence peaks in summer and fall.
Known by various names such as Bamble disease, Bornholm disease, Sylvest’s disease, or devil’s grip, its epidemic nature is reflected in its title. This contagious illness tends to occur in clusters, affecting many individuals in a given area simultaneously, with up to 90% of outbreaks happening in summer and early fall. While most commonly afflicting those under 30, older individuals can also be affected.