POCUS Screening for TAA in Hypertensive Patients in the ED

Launched by CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Feb 25, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to screen for a condition called Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) in patients who have high blood pressure and are visiting the emergency department (ED) at Prince of Wales Hospital. The researchers will use a quick ultrasound test, which is a simple and painless procedure, to check the size of the aorta (the main artery in the body) and see if it’s enlarged. They will also collect other relevant health information to help understand the results. The main goal is to find out how many patients have an enlarged aorta that could indicate a risk for serious problems.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have a known history of high blood pressure or have just been diagnosed with it in the ED. Unfortunately, people who have a history of aortic aneurysm (bulges in the aorta) or dissection (tears in the aorta), those who have had certain types of surgeries on their aorta, and patients currently undergoing CPR or involved in trauma cannot join the study. If you are eligible and choose to participate, you can expect a quick ultrasound exam as part of your care in the emergency department. This study aims to improve how we identify and treat patients with potential aortic issues, which can be life-threatening if not addressed.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult patients aged ≥ 18 years attending the ED during the study period
• • Known history of hypertension or newly diagnosed hypertension in the ED
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Known history of aortic aneurysm or dissection
• • Previous thoracic aortic interventions or endovascular stenting
• • Patients in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• • Traumatic patients
• • Patients refuse to participate the study