A new diagnostic strategy with neutrophil counts in patients with suspected aortic dissection in a certain time window

Background: Neutrophil counts are increased in aortic dissection (AD) patients. However, the diagnostic value of neutrophil counts has not been validated. Methods: Patients with suspected AD from two clinical centers were retrospectively enrolled from 01/07/2011 to 30/06/2021. Clinical characteristic data, including history, onset time, diagnosis, and neutrophil counts, were collected. Results: A total of 198 of 534 (37.1%) patients were diagnosed with AD. The neutrophil counts were significantly higher in AD patients during the 2 to 24-hour interval after symptom onset. In this time window, increased neutrophil counts had a sensitivity of 95.6%, specificity of 56.1%, negative likelihood ratio of 0.08, and negative predictive value of 95.6%. Conclusions: Neutrophil counts may be useful in risk stratification of patients to rule out aortic dissection if used within 2-24 hours after symptom onset.