Assessment of acute chest pain by CT

Chest pain is one of the most frequent causes of presentation to the emergency department (ED). Often the diagnosis represents a significant challenge to current triage methods. The conventional diagnostic triad of clinical history, electrocardiogram, and biomarker assays has limitations, and consequently patients without significant pathology are often admitted for investigation. This strategy has major implications for the timely delivery of care and effective resource use. CT has developed rapidly over the past 10 years, and the new more robust multidetector CT platforms facilitate rapid noninvasive scans. Emerging indications for CT, coupled with increased availability of ED CT, may make it an attractive option for ED chest pain triage. © 2008 Springer.