The charity hosted the 2025 Scottish Aortic Dissection Education Event in Glasgow, delivering a CPD-accredited programme to improve recognition and diagnosis of this life-threatening condition. Held in partnership with NHS Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, the event brought together clinicians, radiologists, emergency responders and national leaders to focus on diagnosis best practice, emerging research and system-level change.
Addressing Scotland’s Urgent Diagnostic Gap
Scotland continues to face a significant challenge. Mortality rates from aortic dissection are higher than elsewhere in the UK, and fewer patients undergo life-saving surgery. These disparities reflect both the prevalence of aortic disease in the population and barriers to early diagnosis, including limited access to specialist centres and low public and clinical awareness.
The day began with a welcome from Kirsty, who shared her husband’s personal story. He died following a misdiagnosed dissection. His story highlighted the urgent need to raise clinical awareness and improve diagnostic pathways in Scotland. Kirsty outlined the charity’s mission to support those affected and to influence change across the healthcare system.
Jim Wallace, Lord Wallace of Tankerness, who served as Deputy First Minister of Scotland from 1999 to 2005, gave the opening address. He spoke of his own survival following a type A dissection in 2023. Despite initially experiencing mild symptoms, he described a persistent feeling of being unwell which led his GP to order imaging, confirming the dissection. His experience highlighted the importance of both patient self-awareness and responsive clinical judgement. He introduced a recorded message from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray MSP.
A Commitment from the Scottish Government
In his address, Neil Gray reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving outcomes in aortic dissection.
“We cannot overestimate the importance of prompt and accurate recognition and diagnosis. It is vital to improving survival. The Trust is driving improvements across the whole pathway of care, from diagnosis through to treatment and aftercare, to improve the lives of people affected by aortic dissection.”
He also referenced ongoing work to strengthen genetic screening pathways and the Scottish Cardiac Audit Programme. He encouraged closer collaboration between the charity and NHS Scotland to support further improvements.
Research and Guidance in a Changing Landscape
Matt Reed, Professor of Emergency Medicine at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, presented on recent research into diagnostic uncertainty. He reviewed findings from the DAShED and ASES studies, noting that while new guidance is being issued by UK and US emergency medicine bodies, discrepancies remain. The field is advancing rapidly, but the risk of diagnostic error remains high.
Dr Jim Zhong, Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, discussed the AORTA-AI project. Funded by the charity, this study uses machine learning to analyse data from national cohort studies including CAASP. The aim is to identify diagnostic patterns and improve recognition of aortic dissection through artificial intelligence. He acknowledged current limitations of machine learning but expressed optimism for future clinical applications.
The CAASP study examined patient pathways across 15 UK sites. It highlighted key factors that delay diagnosis and treatment, including interhospital transfer and variation in presentation. The study found a strong link between time to treatment and mortality, reinforcing the need for system-level improvement.
Emergency Management and Transfer
Dr Richard Price, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, addressed the practicalities of managing diagnosed cases in the emergency department. He focused on the importance of monitoring, pain relief, blood pressure control and preparing patients for inter-hospital transfer. He stressed the value of protocols and checklists to support safe and timely care.
Dr Craig Davidson, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, NHS Lothian, introduced the standard views used in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for aortic dissection. He showed how a dissection flap or associated features such as pericardial effusion or a dilated aorta can be visualised. His session prepared attendees for hands-on ultrasound training later in the day.
Brigadier Claire Phillips CBE, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, delivered a keynote on leadership. Drawing on her military career in Bosnia and Afghanistan, she spoke about the value of inclusion, diverse teams, and the right to speak up. She described how empowering teams leads to better decision-making and improved safety. Her leadership principles resonated strongly with the clinical challenges discussed throughout the day.
Hands-On Learning
In the afternoon, attendees took part in two breakout sessions. The first was a practical POCUS workshop, where clinicians could develop their scanning skills with guidance from experienced faculty. The second was a live, interactive simulation delivered by The Case.Report, focusing on the rapid recognition and management of a complex dissection scenario in real time.
The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust continues to play the leading role in education, research and policy change across Scotland. The charity is working with NHS bodies and the Scottish Government to ensure equitable access to diagnosis, improve genetic screening pathways and support long-term care.
