AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF CHEST PAIN IN AN ADOLESCENT PRESENTING TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Chest pain as a chief complaint is very common in most emergency depar tments. While well defined and numerous causes of chest pain in adults are previously described, the adolescent presenting with chest pain r aises the possibilities of other causes. Previously undiscovered conge nital anomalies are rare as causes of pain in this age group. A case o f coarctation of the aorta, previously undetected in a teenager, is pr esented. The signs of congenital heart disease are usually present on history and physical examination, which can lead the emergency physici an to the appropriate diagnosis.