What condition is indicated by chest pain and calf pain?

The combination of chest pain and calf pain is suggestive of a condition where a clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs, leading to potential complications such as a pulmonary embolism. When a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs, the clot may dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing chest pain and difficulty breathing, which are hallmark symptoms of a pulmonary embolism.

Chest pain originating from this condition can be sharp and may worsen with breathing, while calf pain typically signifies the thrombosis itself. The interrelation of these symptoms points strongly toward a vascular event, specifically one involving a thrombus in the legs affecting the pulmonary circulation.

In contrast, pneumonia would present primarily with respiratory symptoms and fever, and aortic dissection is characterized by severe, sudden chest pain that may radiate to the back but doesn't commonly present with calf pain. Pneumothorax generally involves sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing, with no calf symptoms associated. Therefore, the symptoms of chest pain and calf pain together strongly indicate the diagnosis of DVT leading to a pulmonary embolism.