Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
09:52
Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
Cardiac CT in the emergency department
Harald Seifarth1, Christopher L Schlett, Quynh A Truong
1Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Cardiology Clinics
|February 7, 2012
Summary
Current methods struggle to diagnose acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in emergency departments. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) shows promise for improving the management of patients with possible ACS, especially those at low to intermediate risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosis remains a challenge in emergency departments.
- Current triage strategies are insufficient for accurately identifying ACS.
- Patients with low to intermediate risk for ACS pose a particular diagnostic dilemma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evidence and potential role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).
- To assess CCTA's utility in improving the management of patients with possible ACS in the ED.
Main Methods:
- Review of current diagnostic concepts for acute chest pain in the ED.
- Discussion of evidence supporting the use of CCTA for ACS evaluation.
Main Results:
- Current triage strategies have limitations in ACS detection.
- CCTA offers a potential tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy for ACS.
- Further evidence is needed to fully establish CCTA's role in managing patients with possible ACS.
Conclusions:
- CCTA may improve the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected ACS.
- The role of CCTA in emergency departments for chest pain evaluation warrants further investigation.
- Optimizing ACS diagnosis in the ED is critical for timely patient management.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
01:28Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...
01:17Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Cardiac imaging studies encompass a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques designed to visualize the heart's structure and function in detail. One such technique is echocardiography, which uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart, known as echocardiograms.
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...