Chest pain and AI interpretation: The essential role of clinical judgment and quality data

J Electrocardiol. 2024 Nov-Dec:87:153823. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2024.153823. Epub 2024 Nov 7.

Abstract

Chest pain is a common and complex condition in emergency departments, often complicating the diagnostic process due to its wide range of potential causes. This case report presents a 72-year-old man with chest pain and ST-segment elevation on ECG, initially suggestive of acute coronary syndrom. AI-assisted ECG analysis reinforced this suspicion; however, angiography revealed patent coronary arteries. When his symptoms persisted, further investigation uncovered a pneumothorax. Additional evaluation identified a digitization error affecting the AI interpretation. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive clinical approach for chest pain and highlights the need for quality data input and alternative imaging, such as thoracic ultrasound, for accurate and timely differential diagnoses.

Keywords: AI-assisted ECG; Chest pain diagnosis; STEMI.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Aged
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Chest Pain* / etiology
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging