Diagnostic implication of circulating microRNAs in acute aortic dissection

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a devastating disease which has a rapid onset, high mortality but a low early diagnosis rate. Untreated aortic dissection has a mortality rate of 1–2% per hour from onset to 30 days (1). Some of the patients died before surgical treatment and even before the diagnosis was clear. In addition, the diagnosis of AAD is difficult because of its rarity and varied presentation. Misdiagnosis is up to 39% (2). In view of these conditions, early accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are urgently needed for patients to reduce mortality and improve prognosis.