D-Dimer for Dissection and Evidence Update with Dr. Lauren Westafer
From ACEP Frontline - Emergency Medicine by ACEP Frontline
June 1, 2026 · 41 min
About this episode
Dr. Lauren Westafer discusses D-dimer testing and its implications for diagnosing aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism in emergency medicine.
From the halls of Holy Cross College and the Massachusetts ACEP Conference, ACEP Frontline talks with Dr. Lauren Westafer for a high-yield discussion on two of emergency medicine’s most impactful diagnoses: aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism. Dr. Westafer breaks down the evolving evidence behind D-dimer testing, including the 2026 practice-changing data and ACEP clinical policy updates supporting the use of the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score combined with D-dimer to help safely risk stratify select patients with suspected acute aortic syndromes. The conversation explores how this approach may reduce unnecessary advanced imaging while maintaining patient safety, along with practical pearls for identifying the patients who still warrant immediate CTA evaluation. The episode also reviews modern pulmonary embolism diagnosis and management, discussing risk stratification, and disposition decisions. It is a practical, evidence-based conversation focused on improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing over-testing, and delivering high-value emergency care. Mentioned in this episode: ACEP26
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Lauren Westafer
Topics covered
- aortic dissection
- pulmonary embolism
- D-dimer testing
- risk stratification
- emergency medicine
- diagnostic accuracy
Keywords
- D-dimer
- aortic dissection
- pulmonary embolism
- risk stratification
- ACEP clinical policy
- advanced imaging
- CTA evaluation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: ACEP
Places: Holy Cross College, Massachusetts ACEP Conference
More episodes of ACEP Frontline - Emergency Medicine
- Inside Politics with Nathan Gonzales · June 8, 2026 · 28 min
- CMS on Boarding with Dr. Sean Michael · May 25, 2026 · 32 min
- Oregon CPOM Discussion with Rep. Ben Bowman · May 19, 2026 · 44 min
- EoE in EM with Dr. David Carlberg · May 11, 2026 · 19 min
- Rural Access and Advocacy with Dr. Aaron Kuzel - ACEP LAC · May 5, 2026 · 24 min
- ER to the House with Dr. Venkat and Dr. Reeder - ACEP LAC · April 30, 2026 · 45 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the ACEP Frontline - Emergency Medicine podcast page.