Preliminary development of a clinical decision rule for acute aortic syndromes.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Patients with suspected acute aortic syndromes (AAS) often undergo computed tomography (CT) with negative results. We sought clinical and diagnostic criteria to identify low-risk patients, an initial step in developing a clinical decision rule.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all adults presenting to our emergency department (ED) from January 1, 2006, to August 1, 2010, who underwent CT angiography for suspected AAS without prior trauma or AAS. A total of 1465 patients met inclusion criteria; a retrospective case-controlled review (ratio 1:4) was conducted. Cases were diagnosed with aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, or ruptured aneurysm.

Results

Of the patients who underwent CT, 2.7% (40/1465) had an AAS; 2 addi

SUBMITTER: Lovy AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4275798 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature