New UCLA program for Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS)

[Lionheart]

I just saw this Press Release from UCLA about a new medical student organization that promotes Public Awareness of Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS). It appears that the focus is to get medical professionals to be aware of the symptoms that patients present due to abnormalities to the Aorta including aneurysms or congenital defects such as bicuspid aortic valve.
They list the mis-diagnosis of John Ritter's aneurysm as an example.

Note that they call this a "new medical/surgical emergency". I think that means that the need for recognition by medical personnel is new.

Interestingly, the push for this is coming from students.

Here is the press release:
http://www.pr.com/press-release/87711

John

 

[tobagotwo]

The thrust seems to focus on aortic malformations and aneurysms (both ascending and descending), the detection and treatment of them, and recognition of dissection potential in the emergency room.

While the valves themselves seem only preripherally involved, the possibility of dissection is often overlooked, even in the emergency room, and can be a terrifying companion of bicuspid valve syndromes.

It's about time.

Best wishes,