Can A CT Scan Help To Determine The Causes For Left-sided Chest Pain?

Posted on Sun, 11 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had sharp pain left chest under breast that wraps around to my back for 3 months with 2 episodes of "popping" sensation followed by intense pain. This started following an episode of respiratory virus (have asthma) then another respiratory virus 2 months later. Been to ER twice and MD twice with x-rays always "okay". But pain persists. Cannot tolerate NSAIDS in any form (cause nausea and vomiting). Would a CT scan narrow down a dx and help facilitate treatment?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Left sided chest pain may be due to many causes.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Left sided chest pain may be due to many causes like cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal causes.

You may need proper clinical evaluation and investigations.
Besides routine hemogram, I suggest ECG in all leads.

CT scan may be advised after evaluation. Definitely, CT scan and MRI will narrow down the causes.

Further ECHO etc may be advised after evaluation.

It is also important to evaluate for costochondritis etc.

Hope I have answered your query.

Get well soon.

Regards,
Dr. Indu Kumar, Radiologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad