🫀 Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS)
Screen for acute aortic syndrome with the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score.
Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS)
High-risk conditions (Marfan, family history, known aortic disease/valve, recent aortic manipulation)
High-risk pain (abrupt, severe, tearing/ripping)
High-risk exam (pulse deficit, focal neuro deficit + pain, new aortic murmur, hypotension/shock)
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.