title: The role of computed tomography in cardiovascular imaging: from X-ray department to emergency room.
abstract: Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is widely accepted in the evaluation of patients with stable chest pain. Its use in patients with unstable chest pain is more controversial. CTCA can be performed alone or with a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram and aortogram as a 'triple rule-out' scan. Published trial data show that discharging a patient with low-risk acute chest pain after a normal CTCA is a very safe thing to do. Length of stay is generally reduced, but radiation exposure is higher and there is more downstream testing, so it is broadly cost-neutral. Future studies should evaluate this approach in intermediate- to high-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Imperial College NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, UK.
authors.forename: Niall G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Keenan
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pugliese
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D002637:Chest Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods