Frequency of and inappropriate treatment of misdiagnosis of acute aortic dissection.

Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) comprises acute aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating ulcer of the aorta. The importance of accurate, rapid diagnosis and intervention for AAS is underscored by its clinical and epidemiologic overlap with acute coronary syndrome and by the risks of inappropriate treatment with antithrombotic agents. To explore these concerns, the recognition, management, and outcomes of AAS in the contemporary experience of a tertiary referral center were reviewed.