OVERVIEW

Diagnosing Acute Aortic Dissection in the ED is organized by The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust (TADCT) and will be held on Oct 15, 2026.

Description:
The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, in partnership with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), is bringing together many of the UK’s leading clinicians and researchers for a national educational meeting focused on improving the diagnosis of acute aortic dissection in the emergency department.

Missed or delayed diagnosis remains one of the greatest challenges in improving outcomes for people with acute aortic dissection. This one-day event will showcase the latest evidence, emerging research and practical approaches to help emergency clinicians recognise and investigate this life-threatening condition more effectively.

A major highlight of the programme will be the presentation of the new RCEM guidance on the diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection in the emergency department. The updated guidance reflects the growing body of evidence generated in recent years, including research and education programmes that the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust has helped to support and promote through its work with clinicians, researchers and national partners.

Programme highlights:

Overview and pathophysiology of acute aortic dissection
What we know and still don’t know about missed diagnosis
The latest research evidence
The role of D-dimer in diagnosing acute aortic syndrome
Patient experience: “I am afraid to say it wasn’t a heart attack”
Expert panel discussion on investigating patients with possible acute aortic syndrome
Quality improvement initiatives
Point-of-care ultrasound
Emerging biomarkers
Artificial intelligence in diagnosis
Rebuilding systems to improve care
Cognitive biases and avoiding diagnostic error