Please follow this link for study protocol, expressions of interest, site portal (pCRFs, site recruitment video) and further information.

The Study
Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) includes life-threatening conditions such as aortic dissection – a tear in the lining of the main blood vessel leaving the heart resulting in potential blockage of blood travelling to other organs. It is rare, life-threatening, and difficult to diagnose, and patients with AAS often present with chest or back pain. CT scan can be used to diagnose the condition but not everyone with potential AAS can be scanned, as there are issues like radiation exposure, allergic reactions to contrast, and limited resources.

International guidelines recommend combining clinical decision tools with D-dimer blood testing to rule out AAS in lower risk patients. However, UK practice varies and it is not clear whether these approaches are safe or effective within the NHS emergency department population.

The Data
As part of this study we will collect anonymised patient data from routine medical records such as age, sex, components of clinical risk scores and results of investigations.

We will also be collecting some data about how each acute or emergency site manages patients who present with symptoms concerning for AAS.

The Benefits
There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend newer diagnostic strategies for AAS in the UK population. This study will help us understand the current standard of care, and compare this with the estimated safety and efficiency of alternative strategies.

This will add to the evidence base that clinicians use on a daily basis to decide how to look after these patients and inform future studies.

The Results
The final outcomes from the AORTA-D study will be communicated via presentations in scientific meetings and by peer reviewed publications.

We will aim to publish the results approximately 12 months after completion. We may discuss interim results at academic conferences prior to this.

In Set Up