The Utility of Paraspinal Acoustic Windows for the Evaluation of Acute Dissection of Descending Thoracic Aorta in the Emergency Setting.

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is the prevalent acute aortic syndrome characterized by rapid onset and progression with time-dependent prognosis. When suspecting AAD of descending thoracic aorta in the context of the emergency department setting, computed tomography scanning and trans-esophageal echocardiography are the most useful imaging modalities. The sensitivity of transthoracic echocardiography in diagnosing for type B dissection is only 31%-55% when compared with other modalities.

D-dimer for risk stratification in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Background: Risk stratification is currently recommended for the initial management of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of studies in patients with acute PE to assess the prognostic value of elevated D-dimer levels for short-term (within 30 days) and 3-month mortality. The association between D-dimer levels and markers of PE severity was also reviewed.