Trends in computed tomography aortography and acute aortic syndrome in an emergency department within Aotearoa New Zealand.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) comprises a triad of life-threatening aortic conditions that are difficult to diagnose because of their non-specific clinical presentations. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography aortography (CTA) has a high sensitivity and specificity for these conditions. However, under- and over-investigation of patients with suspected AAS using CTA carries significant risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic imaging practices of CTA use for patients presenting to an ED with suspected AAS.

Methods

All atraumatic thoracic CTAs performed on patients aged ≥15 years old with suspected AAS who presented to Auckland City Hospital between 2009 and 2019 were included. Outcomes of interest were the annual ED and population incidences o

SUBMITTER: Waqanivavalagi SW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9790442 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature