Using ADD-RS and D-dimer to rule out acute aortic syndrome in the ED
Official title: The Combination of Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score With D-dimer to Rule-Out Acute Aortic Syndrome: Multicentre Prospective Study in Emergency Departments
Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT07640334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In the emergency department, doctors test whether ADD-RS and a D-dimer result can safely rule out acute aortic syndrome in adults suspected of AAS.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 746 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hong Kong and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 11, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07640334 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) presenting to the ED with acute symptoms suggestive of AAS where AAS is a possible differential Diagnosis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose final diagnosis is not AAS or who do not meet inclusion criteria may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study evaluates whether combining the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS) with a D-dimer test can safely rule out acute aortic syndrome without CTA in ED patients. Eligible adults with sudden chest, abdominal, or back pain or related signs, where AAS is a possible diagnosis, will be assessed with ADD-RS and D-dimer after consent. Enrollment is determined by the treating physician during the initial ED assessment. The study is led by the Chinese University of Hong Kong with Prince of Wales Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital as sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the need for contrast imaging and expedite decision-making for suspected AAS in the ED.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has explored ADD-RS and D-dimer separately for triage, but combining them to rule out AAS in the ED is an area with limited proven success and remains investigational.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged ≥ 18 years; AND * Presentation to the ED with any of the following symptoms: acute onset (\<14 days) chest pain, abdominal pain, back pain, syncope, or signs of malperfusion (e.g. limb ischemia, neurological deficit); AND * AAS is considered as a possible differential diagnosis by the treating physician. Enrolment in the study will be determined by the attending physician during initial medical consultation in the ED and prior to establishing a final diagnosis. Exclusion Criteria: * An alternative diagnosis to AAS established by the treating physician after the initial assessment; OR * Trauma cases; OR * Patients with a known diagnosis of AAS before the index ED visit (e.g. with a diagnostic imaging done before the ED visit or referral from other institutions for AAS); OR * Clinical severity or other conditions not allowing complete evaluation/proper enrolment; OR * Patient who refuse to participate.
Where it's running
-
Prince of Wales Hospital
Shatin, Hong Kong Recruiting -
Accident and Emergency Department, Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Colin Graham, Professor
- Email: cagraham@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 35051698
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.