Pan-London Decade-Long Analysis of Misdiagnosis of Acute Aortic Syndromes (PanDAMAAS)

Project Aim

• To accurately quantify the incidence and rate of missed or delayed diagnosis of Acute Aortic Syndromes (AAS) across London Hospitals.
• To identify underlying themes and common factors contributing to these missed or delayed diagnoses.
• To assess the diagnostic value of the D-Dimer test and the AAD-RS (Acute Aortic Dissection-Detection Risk Score) as tools for diagnosing AAS

Simultaneously, the research aims to expand the understanding of AAS, strengthen NHS education related to this condition, and unearth any concealed trends related to these syndromes.

The strategic action plan aims at prioritising early and accurate diagnosis of AAS, which would significantly impact the improvement of patient outcomes. This will be achieved by enforcing a comprehensive and holistic standardised AAS pathway from the initial patient contact to definitive treatment and subsequent follow-up plan. Key strategies include the development of time-bound triage pathways, the creation of additional online learning resources committed to advancing knowledge of AAS among healthcare professionals, and the establishment of an AAS National Registry to collate and store prospective data aiding future research. This project serves as the foundation for potential national research in collaboration with multidisciplinary research networks.