The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, in partnership with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), is bringing together many of the UK’s leading clinicians and researchers for a national educational meeting focused on improving the diagnosis of acute aortic dissection in the emergency department.
Missed or delayed diagnosis remains one of the greatest challenges in improving outcomes for people with acute aortic dissection. This one-day event will showcase the latest evidence, emerging research and practical approaches to help emergency clinicians recognise and investigate this life-threatening condition more effectively.
A major highlight of the programme will be the presentation of the new RCEM guidance on the diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection in the emergency department. The updated guidance reflects the growing body of evidence generated in recent years, including research and education programmes that the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust has helped to support and promote through its work with clinicians, researchers and national partners.
The programme features an outstanding faculty of experts, including Professor Matt Reed, Professor Steve Goodacre, Dr Sarah Wilson, Dr Catherine Hayhurst, Dr Luke Flower, Dr Jim Zhong and many others. Sessions will explore the latest evidence on diagnosis, missed presentations, D-dimer testing, point-of-care ultrasound, biomarkers, artificial intelligence, quality improvement and the cognitive biases that can contribute to missed diagnosis.
Alongside the scientific programme, delegates will hear the powerful patient perspective from Martin Hilton, whose personal experience highlights the human impact of delayed diagnosis and the importance of recognising aortic dissection early.
The day will conclude with practical discussions on how emergency departments can improve the assessment of patients presenting with possible acute aortic syndrome and continue building safer systems of care.
Programme highlights
- Overview and pathophysiology of acute aortic dissection
- What we know and still don’t know about missed diagnosis
- The latest research evidence
- The role of D-dimer in diagnosing acute aortic syndrome
- Patient experience: “I am afraid to say it wasn’t a heart attack”
- Expert panel discussion on investigating patients with possible acute aortic syndrome
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Point-of-care ultrasound
- Emerging biomarkers
- Artificial intelligence in diagnosis
- Rebuilding systems to improve care
- Cognitive biases and avoiding diagnostic error
This event is accredited by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine for 5 CPD points and is designed for emergency physicians, acute medicine clinicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, researchers and all healthcare professionals involved in the assessment and management of patients with suspected acute aortic syndrome.
