Every second counts: signs of a failing heart on thoracic CT in the ED

Impending cardiac failure is often difficult to recognize and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Upon arrival in the emergency department, patients are promptly screened for potentially life-threatening conditions through a history and physical examination. In many cases, the diagnosis is not clear until confirmatory laboratory or imaging tests are performed. Unfortunately, patients can rapidly decompensate as this diagnostic information is being obtained. Emergent CT plays a key role in identifying conditions that may result in cardiovascular collapse, including severe congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, cardiac tamponade, and impending cardiac failure. Characteristic imaging findings can prompt the physician to take immediate action and prepare for resuscitation.