Multi-slice computed tomography in the evaluation of patients with acute chest pain

Every year, a considerable number of patients present at the Emergency Department (ED) with acute chest pain complaints. In these patients, determining accurate diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains clinically challenging. In general, triage is based on the initial clinical assessment including (stress) ECG and serial serum markers measurements. While management is relatively straightforward in case of ECG changes and elevated serum markers, a considerable number of patients presents with both serum markers and ECG that are either within normal limits or inconclusive. In these patients, non-invasive cardiac imaging has become an important tool in decision-making. Recently, non-invasive visualization of the coronary arteries has become possible with computed tomography (CT) techniques. Both electron beam CT (EBCT) and multi-slice CT (MSCT) allow assessment of coronary calcium burden as a marker of coronary artery disease (CAD). More recently, non-invasive coronary angiography can also be performed, for which MSCT in particular is increasingly used. Potentially these techniques could become useful in the clinical work-up of patients presenting with suspected ACS. The purpose of the present review is to discuss the potential roles of calcium scoring and non-invasive coronary angiography in patients presenting with suspected ACS.