What diagnostic test is typically performed to rule out other causes of acute chest pain?

Chest radiography is commonly utilized in evaluating acute chest pain to identify or rule out various potential causes such as pneumonia, aortic dissection, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax. This imaging modality is widely accessible and provides quick results, making it a first-line diagnostic tool in emergency settings.

In cases of acute chest pain, clinicians often start with a chest X-ray due to its ability to offer a clear view of the lungs, heart, and surrounding structures. While other diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRI, and echocardiograms can be highly valuable, they are typically not the initial step taken due to factors such as cost, availability, time constraints, and urgency of care.

For example, CT scans are more specific for certain diagnoses, like pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection, but their use is generally reserved for cases where initial evaluations suggest a high likelihood of serious pathology and when radiography findings necessitate further investigation. MRI is rarely used in acute settings due to longer acquisition times and limited availability. Lastly, echocardiograms are excellent for assessing heart function and valvular problems but do not provide as comprehensive a view of the thoracic structures as a chest X-ray. Therefore, chest radiography serves as the