Transthoracic echocardiography uses to diagnose proximal aortic dissections in the emergency department: A systematic review

Awaji, Nadia Mohammed and Alhariri, Nadia Ali and Almezher, Hajar Alhussain (2025) Transthoracic echocardiography uses to diagnose proximal aortic dissections in the emergency department: A systematic review. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26 (2). pp. 2258-2263. ISSN 2581-9615

Acute type A aortic dissection is among the most dangerous cardiovascular emergencies. Our goals were to gather the most up-to-date clinical data on TTE's diagnostic test accuracy and assess its potential application in the treatment of individuals with probable AD. This study followed the PRISMA guideline. Studies that employed TTE to examine type A or ascending dissection in people, whether randomized or non-randomized, were included because they met a clear reference standard. We searched, Embase, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Web of Science, the search was conducted without regard to language and includes studies published between 2014 and 2024. We found that patients with suspected type A AD can be triaged quickly using TTE as a first-line method. It provides emergency physicians with vital information to assist them make decisions about whether to transfer patients to specialized institutions or proceed swiftly to advanced aortic imaging procedures. TTE cannot be used as a stand-alone test to rule in and rule out type A AD, even when it is used in conjunction with the AD risk score classification. Preliminary findings indicate that TTE can rapidly provide critical diagnostic information in patients presenting with shock or hypotension, but more thorough investigation is required.