Does early coronary computed tomography angiography identify more adult emergency department patients requiring revascularization in 30 days than standard optimal care?
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Why is this study important?
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the United States have reported that computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in the emergency department (ED) significantly reduces overall length of stay (LOS) compared with standard of care (SOC). This study questions the value of CCTA in low-risk chest pain patients in a European setting in which 80% of institutions used high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) and patients were routinely discharged following serial troponin testing without further inpatient investigation.
Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?
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