Diagnostic Accuracy of D-Dimer for Acute Aortic Syndromes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Methodology: 3/5
Usefulness: 4/5

Essat M, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2024 Jun 18:S0196-0644(24)00260-9

Question and Methods: Using systematic review methodology, the authors aimed to determine sensitivity and specificity in the use of D-Dimer in the work-up for Acute Aortic Syndrome.
Findings: A total of 25 studies were included in the primary meta-analysis; summary sensitivity was estimated at 96.5% and specificity at 56.2%.
Limitations: Limitations were found in appropriately ascertaining risk of bias due to limited study reporting, as well as high heterogeneity findings.

Interpretation: The systematic review suggests potential for ruling out acute aortic syndrome but highlights the need for large multicenter trials to clarify its clinical application.

By: Dr. Josee Malette

Supervisor: Dr. Ian Stiell

Authors

Josee Malette

Dr. Josée Malette is an Emergency Medicine Resident in the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa. She is a Senior Editor with the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination team for the EMOttawaBlog. Her interests involve critical care in low resource settings, medical education, rural medicine and prehospital medicine.

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Hans Rosenberg

Dr. Rosenberg is an emergency physician at the Ottawa Hospital, associate professor at the University of Ottawa, and Director of the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination Program.

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Ian Stiell

MD, MSc, FRCPC

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