What are the ADD-RS high-risk features?

Three categories (1 point each): High-risk conditions (Marfan, family history, aortic disease, prior aortic surgery, known bicuspid AV); High-risk pain (abrupt onset, severe intensity, ripping/tearing); High-risk exam (BP differential, focal neurological deficit, murmur, shock).

How does the ADD-RS guide diagnostic imaging?

ADD-RS 0: consider D-dimer <500 ng/mL to exclude; ADD-RS 1: D-dimer sensitive screen; ADD-RS 2-3: proceed directly to CT-aorta; patients with ADD-RS 0-1 and negative D-dimer have <1% probability of dissection.

What D-dimer cutoff is used for aortic dissection?

D-dimer ≥500 ng/mL has 96-100% sensitivity for type A aortic dissection; D-dimer can rule out dissection in low-risk patients; negative D-dimer with ADD-RS 0-1 reduces likelihood ratio to <0.05.

What is the management difference between type A and type B dissection?

Type A (involves ascending aorta): emergency surgical repair; Type B (confined to descending aorta): medical management first (heart rate and BP control); complicated type B (end-organ ischemia, rapidly expanding): TEVAR.

What blood pressure and HR targets are used in aortic dissection?

Target SBP 100-120 mmHg and HR <60 bpm to reduce aortic wall stress; IV esmolol or labetalol; add IV nitroprusside or nicardipine if SBP remains elevated after achieving target HR; avoid pure vasodilators (reflexive tachycardia worsens dissection).

Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS)

Calculates the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS) using high-risk conditions, high-risk pain features, and high-risk exam findings to guide D-dimer testing and CT-aorta ordering.

Weight

Height

Clinical Guidance

BMI is a screening measure of body size, not a direct measure of body fat. The standard WHO categories are underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), and obese (≥30).

BMI can overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older adults with low muscle mass. Interpret it alongside waist circumference and clinical context rather than as a standalone diagnosis.

⚕ Clinical Disclaimer: These calculators are for educational and reference purposes only. Always verify results with qualified clinical judgment and current clinical guidelines. Do not use as a sole basis for medical decisions.

How It Works

Calculates the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS) using high-risk conditions, high-risk pain features, and high-risk exam findings to guide D-dimer testing and CT-aorta ordering

Each component has a specific meaning:

High-risk conditions — The high-risk conditions recorded for the patient or scenario being assessed.
High-risk pain features — The high-risk pain features recorded for the patient or scenario being assessed.
High-risk exam findings — The high-risk exam findings recorded for the patient or scenario being assessed.

Note: Interpret the add-rs score result against the clinical thresholds and context described above.

How to Use

Enter the high-risk conditions, high-risk pain features, high-risk exam findings for the patient or scenario you are assessing. Calculates the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score (ADD-RS) using high-risk conditions, high-risk pain features, and high-risk exam findings to guide D-dimer testing and CT-aorta ordering. Use the add-rs score result to inform your clinical assessment.

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