[Multidetector-row spiral computed tomography in chest emergencies]

With ongoing advances in multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) using ECG gating, differentiated examination protocols have become technically feasible. For acute chest pain assessment a strict triage of patients is indispensable, as the radiation dose is approximately 3 times higher for a dedicated protocol compared to a standard chest MDCT. Clinical requests considering pathologies of the pulmonary arteries, the aortic arch and the descending aorta can safely be answered with a standard CT data set. However, for the coronary arteries as well as for the ascending aorta, ECG synchronization of the data set is required. Initial reports regarding MDCT assessment for acute chest pain report a high negative predictive value. With the latest MDCT platforms available, medical preparation is no longer necessary with the exception of sublingual application of nitroglycerine. Dedicated contrast injection protocols, however, are necessary for simultaneous opacification of the pulmonary arteries as well as of the aorta and the coronary arteries. Further prospective studies will have to provide more evidence-based data for acute chest pain assessment with MDCT and will also have to outline the cost-effectiveness of this imaging technique.