A twisted diagnosis of chest pain: the prominent role of coronary computed tomography
2024
A Twisted Diagnosis of Chest Pain
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Catarina Amaral Marques, Cátia Oliveira, Ana Margarida Lebreiro, Mariana Vasconcelos, João Rebelo, Rui A. Rodrigues
Primary Institution: São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
Hypothesis
This work aims to raise awareness for the benign entity of epipericardial fat necrosis to avoid unnecessary interventions.
Conclusion
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) effectively diagnosed epipericardial fat necrosis in a patient with chest pain.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had sudden-onset chest pain that resolved at rest.
- Initial tests including ECG and echocardiogram were unremarkable.
- CCTA ruled out coronary artery disease and identified epipericardial fat necrosis.
Takeaway
A man had chest pain that turned out to be caused by a harmless fat issue around his heart, not a heart problem.
Methodology
The patient underwent a series of diagnostic tests including CCTA to identify the cause of chest pain.
Participant Demographics
39-year-old male patient.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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