Paolo Bima , Peiman Nazerian , Christian Mueller , Matteo Castelli , Elisa Capretti , Alexandre de Matos Soeiro , Alessandro Cipriano , Giorgio Costantino , Simone Vanni , Bernd A. Leidel , Beat A. Kaufmann , Adi Osman , Marcello Candelli , Nicolò Capsoni , Wilhelm Behringer , Giovanni Ascione , Tatiana de Carvalho Andreucci Torres Leal , Lorenzo Ghiadoni , Emanuele Pivetta , Enrico Lupia , Fulvio Morello
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Acute aortic syndromes (AAS) are deadly conditions causing unspecific symptoms, such as chest/abdominal/back pain, syncope and neurological deficit. They are diagnosed with computed tomography angiography (CTA), but the patient selection is challenging. To support physicians and standardize management, protocols combining a clinical score with D-dimer (DD) have been developed. However, direct comparison of their diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness is lacking.
Methods
We used individual patient data from 3 prospective diagnostic studies of patients with suspected AAS, enrolled in 12 centers from 5 countries. Diagnostic accuracy, failure rate and costs were calculated for 5 protocols, applying 3 scores (aortic dissection detection [ADD], AORTAs and Canadian) and 2 DD thresholds (500 ng/mL [DD500], age-adjusted [DDage]). Costs were estimated using Italian and German reimbursements.
Results
Among 4907 patients, 506 (10.3 %) had an AAS. The sensitivity of the diagnostic protocols ranged from 97.6 % for Canadian/DD500 to 99.4 % for AORTAs/DD500 or DDage (P = 0.022). The specificity was lowest for AORTAs/DD500 (46.8 %; P < 0.001 vs AORTAs/DD500) and highest for ADD/DDage (61.5 %; P < 0.001). The number of potential AAS misses was 4-fold higher with Canadian/DD500 vs AORTAs/DD500 or DDage. The net clinical benefit was highest for ADD/DDage. All protocols reduced CTA exams and costs over a CTA-to-all strategy. Numbers of predicted CTA exams and costs per 100 patients were lowest for ADD/DDage (447 CTAs, 34,366 EUR) and highest (579 CTAs, 43,628 EUR) for AORTAs/DD500.
Conclusions
Guideline-compliant clinical score/DD based protocols are highly sensitive. Differences in specificity and efficiency are present. Data may guide decision-making based on policies and resources.
期刊介绍:
The European Journal of Internal Medicine serves as the official journal of the European Federation of Internal Medicine and is the primary scientific reference for European academic and non-academic internists. It is dedicated to advancing science and practice in internal medicine across Europe. The journal publishes original articles, editorials, reviews, internal medicine flashcards, and other relevant information in the field. Both translational medicine and clinical studies are emphasized. EJIM aspires to be a leading platform for excellent clinical studies, with a focus on enhancing the quality of healthcare in European hospitals.