The Impact of the Introduction of a Rapid D-Dimer Assay on the Diagnostic Evaluation of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism

2001 ◽  
Vol 161 (4) ◽  
pp. 567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nir M. Goldstein ◽  
Marin H. Kollef ◽  
Suzanne Ward ◽  
Brian F. Gage
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Diagnostic Evaluation ◽  
Suspected Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
The Impact ◽  
D Dimer

A Comparative Analysis of D-Dimer Assays in Patients with Clinically Suspected Pulmonary Embolism

1993 ◽  
Vol 70 (03) ◽  
pp. 408-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin J R van Beek ◽  
Bram van den Ende ◽  
René J Berckmans ◽  
Yvonne T van der Heide ◽  
Dees P M Brandjes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Pulmonary Emboli ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Suspected Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Lung Scan ◽  
D Dimer

SummaryTo avoid angiography in patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism and non-diagnostic lung scan results, the use of D-dimer has been advocated. We assessed plasma samples of 151 consecutive patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism. Lung scan results were: normal (43), high probability (48) and non-diagnostic (60; angiography performed in 43; 12 pulmonary emboli). Reproducibility, cut-off values, specificity, and percentage of patients in whom angiography could be avoided (with sensitivity 100%) were determined for two latex and four ELISA assays.The latex methods (cut-off 500 μg/1) agreed with corresponding ELISA tests in 83% (15% normal latex, abnormal ELISA) and 81% (7% normal latex, abnormal ELISA). ELISA methods showed considerable within- (2–17%) and between-assay Variation (12–26%). Cut-off values were 25 μg/l (Behring), 50 μg/l (Agen), 300 μg/l (Stago) and 550 μg/l (Organon). Specificity was 14–38%; in 4–15% of patients angiography could be avoided.We conclude that latex D-dimer assays appear not useful, whereas ELISA methods may be of limited value in the exclusion of pulmonary embolism.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID‐19 on the sensitivity of D‐dimer for pulmonary embolism

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel J. Elberts ◽  
Ryan Bateman ◽  
Alexandra Koutsoubis ◽  
Kory S. London ◽  
Jennifer L. White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
The Impact ◽  
D Dimer

scholarly journals Systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 2237-2244
Author(s):  
Parth Patel ◽  
Payal Patel ◽  
Meha Bhatt ◽  
Cody Braun ◽  
Housne Begum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Suspected Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Mortality Incidence ◽  
D Dimer

Abstract Prompt evaluation and therapeutic intervention of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) are of paramount importance for improvement in outcomes. We systematically reviewed outcomes in patients with suspected PE, including mortality, incidence of recurrent PE, major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and postthrombotic sequelae. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Embase for eligible studies, reference lists of relevant reviews, registered trials, and relevant conference proceedings. We included 22 studies with 15 865 patients. Among patients who were diagnosed with PE and discharged with anticoagulation, 3-month follow-up revealed that all-cause mortality was 5.69% (91/1599; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.56-6.83), mortality from PE was 1.19% (19/1597; 95% CI, 0.66-1.72), recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurred in 1.38% (22/1597; 95% CI: 0.81-1.95), and major bleeding occurred in 0.90% (2/221%; 95% CI, 0-2.15). In patients with a low pretest probability (PTP) and negative D-dimer, 3-month follow-up revealed mortality from PE was 0% (0/808) and incidence of VTE was 0.37% (4/1094; 95% CI: 0.007-0.72). In patients with intermediate PTP and negative D-dimer, 3-month follow-up revealed that mortality from PE was 0% (0/2747) and incidence of VTE was 0.46% (14/3015; 95% CI: 0.22-0.71). In patients with high PTP and negative computed tomography (CT) scan, 3-month follow-up revealed mortality from PE was 0% (0/651) and incidence of VTE was 0.84% (11/1302; 95% CI: 0.35-1.34). We further summarize outcomes evaluated by various diagnostic tests and diagnostic pathways (ie, D-dimer followed by CT scan).

scholarly journals Investigation of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism at Hutt Valley Hospital with CT Pulmonary Angiography: Current Practice and Opportunities for Improvement

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Kennedy ◽  
Sisira Jayathissa ◽  
Paul Healy
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Pretest Probability ◽  
British Thoracic Society ◽  
Suspected Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Ct Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
D Dimer

Aims. To study the use of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) at Hutt Hospital and investigate the use of pretest probability scoring in the assessment of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).Methods. We studied patients with suspected PE that underwent CTPA between January and May 2012 and collected data on demographics, use of pretest probability scoring, and use of D Dimer and compared our practice with the British Thoracic Society (BTS) guideline.Results. 105 patients underwent CTPA and 15% of patients had PE. 13% of patients had a Wells score prior to their scan. Wells score calculated by researchers revealed 54%, 36%, and 8% patients had low, medium, and high risk pretest probabilities and 8%, 20%, and 50% of these patients had positive scans. D Dimer was performed in 58% of patients and no patients with a negative D Dimer had a PE.Conclusion. The CTPA positive rate was similar to other contemporary studies but lower than previous New Zealand studies and some international guidelines. Risk stratification of suspected PE using Wells score and D Dimer was underutilised. A number of scans could have been safely avoided by using accepted guidelines reducing resources use and improving patient safety.

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