Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
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Acute chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome is a frequent complaint in the emergency department. Acute coronary syndromes include myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Being able to establish the diagnosis rapidly and accurately may be lifesaving. ⋯ Noncardiac etiologies of chest pain include aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, pulmonary embolism, pericardial disease, and lung parenchymal disease. Noninvasive cardiac imaging in patients who are at low and intermediate risk for coronary artery disease may improve confidence regarding the safety of discharge from the emergency department. In addition to risk stratification, noncoronary etiologies for chest pain can be established with imaging.