Chest pain in athletes.

The symptom of chest pain in the athlete can represent anything from a nonspecific musculoskeletal strain to a life-threatening condition such as tension pneumothorax. For the physician charged with evaluating this patient population, a thorough knowledge of the possible etiologies, their usual diagnostic algorithms, available imaging modalities, and potential therapeutic options is essential. Although the vast majority of patients with traumatic chest pain will not harbor significant pathology, the clinician must be prepared for those few who do have such conditions, and be prepared to intervene in an appropriate, time-sensitive fashion.