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Collapse From Cartilage Inflammation
Date confirmed in UPI (“Jackson checked himself into St. John's Hospital and Health Center Sunday [June 3, 1990] night”
Pop superstar Michael Jackson's chest pains were brought on by a usually extremely painful inflammation of his ribs possibly caused by over-exertion or stress, his spokesman said Wednesday.
The Grammy award-winning singer, who remained hospitalized for a third day Wednesday, was expected to be sent home within the next two days.
The cause of Jackson's condition had been a mystery until a battery of tests revealed he was suffering from costochondritis, or a cartilage inflammation that affected the front part of his ribs, said Bob Jones, his spokesman.
Jackson checked himself into St. John's Hospital and Health Center Sunday night after experiencing the chest pains during a dance-exercise session at home. He continued to feel the pains while in the hospital.
The tests, ordered by Jackson's physician, cardiologist Mark Zatzkis, revealed no physical abnormalities other than the inflammation, Jones said.
Jackson is expected to receive follow-up treatment after he is released from the hospital, 'probably within 48 hours,' Jones said.
He said the inflammation can be caused by 'overexertion and stress and is usually extremely painful,' adding that the performer's condition 'will absolutely not affect his career.'
The clean-living, lean pop star, who shuns alcohol, cigarettes and junk food, has no history of serious health problems. But Jones said the recent deaths of his maternal grandmother and of entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., a close friend, had put Jackson under some stress.
In addition, the excruciatingly shy star has been working on a new album, titled, 'Decade,' that is eight months overdue and now scheduled to be released in August.
Jackson was visited Wednesday by his brothers, Jackie, Marlon and Randy, and his sister, Rebbie, who briefly greeted fans keeping vigil at the hospital.
One of those at the hospital Wednesday, a man identified as Jackie Lee Adams, 27, was arrested for allegedly making death threats directed at Jackson while being questioned by hospital guards, Police Sgt. John Miehle said.
The guards had asked Adams to leave the hospital grounds when he told them he was going to see Jackson, Miehle said. Adams, who was unarmed, refused and while under further questioning, 'made some threats against Michael's life,' he said.
Adams was arrested on suspicion of giving false information to a police officer, trespassing and making threats of bodily harm, a felony, Miehle said.
On Monday, a woman who identifies herself as Billie Jean Jackson and is apparently obsessed with the singer was arrested for allegedly violating a restraining order to stay away from Jackson.
During his stay at the hospital, Jackson has visited his friend, actress Elizabeth Taylor, who has been recovering at St. John's from a near-fatal bout with pneumonia since mid-April.
...Michael Jackson was undergoing hospital tests yesterday after complaining of crushing chest pains.
The health and fitness fanatic has insisted that doctors in California should spare no expense in finding out what is wrong with him.
His private bed at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica is thought alone to be costing around £1,000 a night.
The star was rushed to St. John's after being taken ill at night.
Hospital spokesman Paulette Weir said yesterday: "According to his physician, he is in a stable condition and appropriate tests are being conducted."
Jackson's heroine--British actress Liz Taylor, 58--is being treated in another ward at the same clinic. She is recovering from a mystery ailment and near-fatal bout of pneumonia.
Says an aide: "She was shocked because she admires Michael. She will be praying he makes a complete recovery."
The presence of the two stars is causing chaos at the hospital.
Scores of Taylor fans have pestered staff for weeks and they have now been joined by the singer's disciples.
...Michael Jackson was undergoing hospital tests yesterday after complaining of crushing chest pains.
The health and fitness fanatic has insisted that doctors in California should spare no expense in finding out what is wrong with him.
His private bed at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica is thought alone to be costing around £1,000 a night.
The star was rushed to St. John's after being taken ill at night.
Hospital spokesman Paulette Weir said yesterday: "According to his physician, he is in a stable condition and appropriate tests are being conducted."
Jackson's heroine--British actress Liz Taylor, 58--is being treated in another ward at the same clinic. She is recovering from a mystery ailment and near-fatal bout of pneumonia.
Says an aide: "She was shocked because she admires Michael. She will be praying he makes a complete recovery."
The presence of the two stars is causing chaos at the hospital.
Scores of Taylor fans have pestered staff for weeks and they have now been joined by the singer's disciples.
Michael Jackson was in hospital last night after collapsing with a heart attack.
The singer, just 31, fell to the floor clutching his chest after a gruelling six-hour dance session.
In a 3am call to his sister LaToya in London, he complained of crippling pains in his legs, chest, neck, and arms.
LaToya sobbed as she told The Sun exclusively last night: "He sounded so weak and scared.
"Doctors are carrying out test after test on him, and he told me he may be in hospital for two weeks." The drama began after Jackson's regular Sunday-afternoon solo dance sessions at his mansion in Encino, California.
...In his call to LaToya, Michael whispered:
"Please don't be frightened--but I think I had a heart attack. I just wanted to tell you before anyone else did."
LaToya revealed: "He said the pain started in his left foot and worked up into his left arm, chest, and neck."
In another call at 7:15pm British time, Michael said he was, "OK, but exhausted."
LaToya said he had urine, blood, and heart tests, and his chest was wired to a monitor.
She said Michael still wanted to visit London in the next fortnight to work with her.
A hospital spokesman confirmed: "Cardiac tests are under way."
Michael Jackson's sister LaToya sobbed last night as she told new she sent the stricken star a special get-well gift... a dozen black roses.
Devastated, LaToya explained: "They're our favorite flowers and have been a special lucky charm to us both."
..."When he told me what had happened, I just broke into tears.
"He said the pain was so severe, he almost passed out. Then everything went hazy on him."
"I don't understand it, because Michael always took good care of himself. And he is far too young for something like this to happen."
After she heard the news, the shocked sister wanted to fix straight out to be with her brother.
But LaToya said:
"Michael ordered me not to--until he knew exactly the situation.”