🫀 Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS)
Screen for acute aortic syndrome with the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score.
Clinical takeaway
ADD-RS ≤ 1 plus negative D-dimer makes dissection unlikely.
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When to use
Decide who needs D-dimer testing versus direct aortic imaging.
How it works
Three categories (predisposing conditions, pain features, exam findings); any feature in a category = 1 point. 0–3.
Key points
- ADD-RS ≤ 1 plus negative D-dimer makes dissection unlikely.
- ADD-RS ≥ 2 → proceed to CT angiography.
- Highly sensitive screening framework.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| High-risk conditions (Marfan, family history, known aortic disease/valve, recent aortic manipulation) | None |
|---|---|
| High-risk pain (abrupt, severe, tearing/ripping) | None |
| High-risk exam (pulse deficit, focal neuro deficit + pain, new aortic murmur, hypotension/shock) | None |
→ADD-RS0/3
- Risk：Low risk
- Pathway：ADD-RS ≤ 1 with a negative D-dimer (< 500 ng/mL) makes acute aortic syndrome unlikely.
| High-risk conditions (Marfan, family history, known aortic disease/valve, recent aortic manipulation) | ≥ 1 present (+1) |
|---|---|
| High-risk pain (abrupt, severe, tearing/ripping) | ≥ 1 present (+1) |
| High-risk exam (pulse deficit, focal neuro deficit + pain, new aortic murmur, hypotension/shock) | ≥ 1 present (+1) |
→ADD-RS3/3
- Risk：High risk
- Pathway：ADD-RS ≥ 2 → proceed directly to definitive imaging (CT angiography).
Frequently asked questions
- What is Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS)?
- Screen for acute aortic syndrome with the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score.
- How is Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS) calculated? What is the core formula?
- Three categories (predisposing conditions, pain features, exam findings); any feature in a category = 1 point. 0–3.
- When is Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS) used?
- Decide who needs D-dimer testing versus direct aortic imaging.
- What are the key clinical points for Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS)?
- ADD-RS ≤ 1 plus negative D-dimer makes dissection unlikely. ADD-RS ≥ 2 → proceed to CT angiography. Highly sensitive screening framework.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS)?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: High-risk conditions (Marfan, family history, known aortic disease/valve, recent aortic manipulation) None, High-risk pain (abrupt, severe, tearing/ripping) None, High-risk exam (pulse deficit, focal neuro deficit + pain, new aortic murmur, hypotension/shock) None → Result: ADD-RS 0 /3（Risk: Low risk, Pathway: ADD-RS ≤ 1 with a negative D-dimer (< 500 ng/mL) makes acute aortic syndrome unlikely.） Inputs: High-risk conditions (Marfan, family history, known aortic disease/valve, recent aortic manipulation) ≥ 1 present (+1), High-risk pain (abrupt, severe, tearing/ripping) ≥ 1 present (+1), High-risk exam (pulse deficit, focal neuro deficit + pain, new aortic murmur, hypotension/shock) ≥ 1 present (+1) → Result: ADD-RS 3 /3（Risk: High risk, Pathway: ADD-RS ≥ 2 → proceed directly to definitive imaging (CT angiography).）