Vol 77, No 3 (2009)
Review paper
Published online: 2009-04-23
Submitted: 2013-02-22
D-dimer in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism
Anna Fijałkowska
Pneumonol Alergol Pol 2009;77(3):271-275.
Vol 77, No 3 (2009)
REVIEWS
Published online: 2009-04-23
Submitted: 2013-02-22
Abstract
D-dimer level estimation, specific fibrin degradation product, is a permanent part of diagnostic strategies of pulmonary embolism
(PE). Approximetly 30% of a suspected non-high risk PE can be ruled out with high sensitive D-dimer test when pre-test
clinical probability is non-high. Recent guidelines underline that only very sensitive DD assays can be used. The main limitation
of DD tests is relatively low specificity especially in hospitalized population, in elder patients, with cancer and in pregnancy.
New indication for DD test mentioned in current guidelines is estimation of risk of recurrence after withdrawal of anticoagulant.
Negative DD test identify patients with low risk of recurrence.
Abstract
D-dimer level estimation, specific fibrin degradation product, is a permanent part of diagnostic strategies of pulmonary embolism
(PE). Approximetly 30% of a suspected non-high risk PE can be ruled out with high sensitive D-dimer test when pre-test
clinical probability is non-high. Recent guidelines underline that only very sensitive DD assays can be used. The main limitation
of DD tests is relatively low specificity especially in hospitalized population, in elder patients, with cancer and in pregnancy.
New indication for DD test mentioned in current guidelines is estimation of risk of recurrence after withdrawal of anticoagulant.
Negative DD test identify patients with low risk of recurrence.
Keywords
D-dimer; pulmonary embolism; quidelines
Title
D-dimer in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism
Journal
Advances in Respiratory Medicine
Issue
Vol 77, No 3 (2009)
Article type
Review paper
Pages
271-275
Published online
2009-04-23
Bibliographic record
Pneumonol Alergol Pol 2009;77(3):271-275.
Keywords
D-dimer
pulmonary embolism
quidelines