Diagnostic algorithms for chest pain
Vertkin A.L., Topolyanskiy A.V.

Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry named after A.I. Evdokimov

The paper is addressed to general practitioners and presents main approaches to differential diagnosis of pain in left side of the chest. Sequence of patients questioning with complaints detailing and specification of anamnestic data is presented. Diagnostic value of these information is discussed. Possible findings in clinical examination and diagnostic significance of additional examination methods are reviewed and analysed. The importance of various risk factors for diagnosing the causes of chest pain is emphasized. Thus, the paper describes the scheme of patient examination, allowing to obtain the most valuable information in minimum time and options for results interpretation, as well as to establish the correct diagnosis and minimize medical errors and useless tests. 

Key words: pain in left side of the chest, differential diagnosis, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, pneumothorax, cardialgia.

For citation: Vertkin A.L., Topolyanskiy A.V. Diagnostic algorithms for chest pain // RMJ. 2016. № 14. P. 913–916.