Exclusion of Deep Venous Thrombosis with D-Dimer Testing

2000 ◽  
Vol 83 (02) ◽  
pp. 191-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk van den Borne ◽  
Marion van der Kolk ◽  
Piet de Wild ◽  
Ger Janssen ◽  
Stan van Uum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Reference Range ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Reference Standard ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Conventional Elisa ◽  
D Dimer

SummaryIn a direct assay comparison we evaluated the diagnostic performance of 10 novel D-Dimer assays for the exclusion of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In addition, 3 conventional ELISA D-Dimer assays were included as reference tests. The study was performed in 99 consecutive outpatients referred to the emergency department for clinical suspicion of DVT. Venography was used as reference standard and demonstrated the presence of DVT in 50 patients (6 patients with isolated distal DVT and 44 patients with proximal DVT). The qualitative D-Dimer assays Minutex and SimpliRED and the quantitative BC DD showed overall sensitivities (for proximal and distal DVT) of only 80-83% with specificities that ranged from 87 to 94%. Overall sensitivity was 94% for the qualitative INSTANT I.A. and 98% for the quantitative Turbiquant at a cut-off level equal to the detection limit. Using different cut-off levels a sensitivity of 100% for proximal DVT and for proximal as well as distal DVT could be obtained for NycoCard, IL DD, Liatest, Tinaquant and VIDAS D-Dimer assays with specificities that ranged from 31% (NycoCard) to 71% (VIDAS) for proximal DVT and from 12% (NycoCard) to 47% (IL DD) for overall DVT. At a cut-off level equal to the upper limit of the reference range only Tinaquant and VIDAS showed a sensitivity of 100% for proximal as well as for distal DVT with a specificity of 39% and 41% respectively.The results of this study suggest that the VIDAS and Tinaquant D-Dimer assays have the highest sensitivity for the exclusion of DVT in outpatients. In outpatients that have a low or moderate pretest probability for DVT, these tests may be used in management studies where anticoagulation is withheld on the basis of D-Dimer testing alone.

D-Dimer Testing for Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Metaanalysis

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 1136-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven W Heim ◽  
Joel M Schectman ◽  
Mir S Siadaty ◽  
John T Philbrick
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Reference Standard ◽  
Assay Sensitivity ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Assay Performance ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
D Dimer ◽  
Rule Out

Abstract Background: The use of D-dimer assays as a rule-out test for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is controversial. To clarify this issue we performed a systematic review of the relevant literature. Methods: We identified eligible studies, using MEDLINE entries from February 1995 through October 2003, supplemented by a review of bibliographies of relevant articles. Studies reporting accuracy evaluations comparing D-dimer test results with lower extremity ultrasound or venography in symptomatic patients with suspected acute DVT were selected for review. Two reviewers critically appraised each study independently according to previously established methodologic standards for diagnostic test research. Those studies judged to be of highest quality were designated Level 1. Results: The 23 Level 1 studies reported data on 21 different D-dimer assays. There was wide variation in assay sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values, and major differences in methodology of reviewed studies. A multivariate analysis of assay performance, controlling for sample size, DVT prevalence, reference standard, and patient mix, found few differences among the assays in effect on test performance as measured by diagnostic odds ratio. Increasing prevalence of DVT was associated with poorer test performance (P = 0.01), whereas the choice of venography as the reference standard was associated with better test performance (P <0.005). Conclusions: Explanations for the wide variation in assay performance include differences in biochemical and technical characteristics of the assays, heterogeneity and small size of patient groups, and bias introduced by choice of reference standards. Assay sensitivity and negative predictive value were frequently <90%, uncharacteristic of a good rule-out test. General use of D-dimer assays as a stand-alone test for the diagnosis of DVT is not supported by the literature.

scholarly journals Reaffirmation of the importance of follow-up ultrasound studies in patients with high D-dimers and clinical suspicion of vein thrombosis

Ultrasound ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Y Tung-Chen ◽  
I Pizarro ◽  
A Rivera-Núñez ◽  
A Martínez-Virto ◽  
A Lorenzo-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
D Dimer

Background Venous thromboembolism is a common disease seen in the emergency department and a cause of high morbidity and mortality, constituting a major health problem. Objectives To assess the potential benefit of follow-up ultrasound of patients who attended the emergency department with suspected superficial venous thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis and were found to have an initial negative whole-leg (or arm) ultrasound study. Methods This retrospective study included patients aged 18 years or older who were consecutively referred to a thrombosis clinic from the emergency department, with abnormal D-dimer test and moderate to high pre-test probability of deep venous thrombosis (Well's score ≥ 1), but a negative whole-leg (or arm) ultrasound. Demographic characteristics, symptom duration, laboratory and ultrasound data were recorded. At one-week follow-up, an experienced physician repeated ultrasound, and recorded the findings. Results From January 2017 to April 2018, 54 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 66.8 years (SD 15.0) and 63% were women. The average D-dimer was 2159.9 (SD 3772.0) ng/mL. Ultrasound abnormalities were found in 12 patients (22.2%; 95% confidence interval of 12.5 to 36.0%), with 4 patients having proximal deep venous thrombosis, distal deep venous thrombosis in 2 patients and superficial venous thrombosis in 6 patients. We did not find any significant differences in demographic characteristics, venous thromboembolism risk factors or laboratory parameters between patients with negative and positive follow-up ultrasound. Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that a negative whole-leg (or arm) ultrasound in addition to an abnormal D-dimer in moderate to high deep venous thrombosis pretest probability patients, might be an insufficient diagnostic approach to exclude suspected deep venous thrombosis or superficial venous thrombosis. Confirmation of this higher than expected prevalence would support the need to repeat one-week ultrasound control in this population.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Financial Implications of Age-Adjusted D-Dimer Strategies for the Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis in the Emergency Department

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Reardon ◽  
Sean Patrick ◽  
Monica Taljaard ◽  
Kednapa Thavorn ◽  
Marie-Joe Nemnom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
D Dimer

Investigations into the Clinical Utility of Latex D-Dimer in the Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (01) ◽  
pp. 008-011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cedric J Carter ◽  
D Lynn Doyle ◽  
Nigel Dawson ◽  
Shauna Fowler ◽  
Dana V Devine
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Fibrin Degradation Product ◽  
Current Form ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
D Dimer

SummaryThe serial use of non-invasive tests has been shown to be a safe method of managing outpatients who are suspected of having lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Objective testing has shown that the majority of these outpatients do not have venous thrombosis. A rapid test to exclude DVT in these patients, without the need for expensive and inconvenient serial non-invasive vascular testing, would have practical and economic advantages.Studies measuring the fibrin degradation product D-dimer using enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA) in patients with veno-graphically proven DVT suggest that it should be possible to exclude this condition by the use of one of the rapid latex bead D-dimer tests.We have examined 190 patients with suspected DVT using both a latex and an EIA D-dimer assay. The latex D-dimer test used in this study was negative in 7 of the 36 proven cases of DVT. This sensitivity of only 80% is not sufficient to allow this type of assay, in its current form, to be used as an exclusion test for DVT. The same plasma samples were tested with an EIA assay. This information was used to mathematically model the effects of selecting a range of D-dimer discriminant cut off points for the diagnosis of DVT. These results indicate that 62% of suspected clinically significant DVT could have this diagnosis excluded, with a 98% sensitivity, if the rapid latex or equivalent D-dimer test could be reformulated to measure less than 185 ng/ml of D-dimer.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Use of a Negative D-Dimer and Modified Low Wells Score in Excluding above Knee Deep Venous Thrombosis in an Outpatient Population, Assessing Need for Diagnostic Ultrasound

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Rahiminejad ◽  
Anshul Rastogi ◽  
Shirish Prabhudesai ◽  
David Mcclinton ◽  
Peter MacCallum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Clinical Risk Factor ◽  
Diagnostic Pathway ◽  
Clinical Diagnostic ◽  
Retrospective Audit ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
D Dimer

Aims. Colour doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) is widely used in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT); however, the number of scans positive for above knee DVT is low. The present study evaluates the reliability of the D-dimer test combined with a clinical probability score (Wells score) in ruling out an above knee DVT and identifying patients who do not need a CDUS. Materials and Method. This study is a retrospective audit and reaudit of a total of 816 outpatients presenting with suspected lower limb DVT from March 2009 to March 2010 and from September 2011 to February 2012. Following the initial audit, a revised clinical diagnostic pathway was implemented. Results. In our initial audit, seven patients (4.9%) with a negative D-dimer and a low Wells score had a DVT. On review, all seven had a risk factor identified that was not included in the Wells score. No patient with negative D-dimer and low Wells score with no extra clinical risk factor had a DVT on CDUS (negative predictive value 100%). A reaudit confirmed adherence to our revised clinical diagnostic pathway. Conclusions. A negative D-dimer together with a low Wells score and no risk factors effectively excludes a lower limb DVT and an ultrasound is unnecessary in these patients.

Role of MR venography in the evaluation of deep venous thrombosis

1997 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 907-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Catalano ◽  
P. Pavone ◽  
A. Laghi ◽  
A. Scipioni ◽  
F. Fanelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Filling Defect ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Mr Venography ◽  
Diagnostic Modalities ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Intraluminal Filling Defect

Purpose: MR venography has been recommended for the evaluation of deep venous thrombosis. The purpose of our study was to determine the role of MR venography, in particular at the level of the pelvis where other diagnostic modalities show major limitations. Materials and Methods: Forty-three patients with clinical suspicion of deep venous thrombosis were examined by means of pelvic MR venography. In all cases, a 2D-TOF sequence was used with cranial arterial presaturation. In selected cases, i.e. when a small intraluminal filling defect was present, a cine-PC sequence was used in addition in order to exclude the presence of a pulsatility artifact as causing the filling defect. In all cases, contrast venography was also performed and considered to be the standard of reference. Results: MR venography showed 26 patients to be positive for deep venous thrombosis at the pelvic level. These positive results were correct in 25 cases. The analysis of the results provided values of sensitivity and specificity of respectively 100% and 94%, with an overall accuracy of 97.6%. Conclusion: Our results indicate that MR can provide highly accurate images, similar to those of contrast venography, in a noninvasive fashion. It is particularly useful in the pelvic region where the limitations of other imaging modalities are more evident.

High incidence of patients lost to follow-up after venous thromboembolism diagnosis – Identifying an unmet need for targeted transition of care

Vascular ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 170853812110209
Author(s):  
Rae S Rokosh ◽  
Jack H Grazi ◽  
David Ruohoniemi ◽  
Eugene Yuriditsky ◽  
James Horowitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Transition Of Care ◽  
Initial Discharge ◽  
Significant Difference

Objectives Venous thromboembolism, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a major source of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization. Given the prevalence of venous thromboembolism and its associated mortality, our study sought to identify factors associated with loss to follow-up in venous thromboembolism patients. Methods This is a single-center retrospective study of all consecutive admitted (inpatient) and emergency department patients diagnosed with acute venous thromboembolism via venous duplex examination and/or chest computed tomography from January 2018 to March 2019. Patients with chronic deep venous thrombosis and those diagnosed in the outpatient setting were excluded. Lost to venous thromboembolism-specific follow-up (LTFU) was defined as patients who did not follow up with vascular, cardiology, hematology, oncology, pulmonology, or primary care clinic for venous thromboembolism management at our institution within three months of initial discharge. Patients discharged to hospice or dead within 30 days of initial discharge were excluded from LTFU analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 16 (College Station, TX: StataCorp LLC) with a p-value of <0.05 set for significance. Results During the study period, 291 isolated deep venous thrombosis, 25 isolated pulmonary embolism, and 54 pulmonary embolism with associated deep venous thrombosis were identified in 370 patients. Of these patients, 129 (35%) were diagnosed in the emergency department and 241 (65%) in the inpatient setting. At discharge, 289 (78%) were on anticoagulation, 66 (18%) were not, and 15 (4%) were deceased. At the conclusion of the study, 120 patients (38%) had been LTFU, 85% of whom were discharged on anticoagulation. There was no statistically significant difference between those LTFU and those with follow-up with respect to age, gender, diagnosis time of day, venous thromboembolism anatomic location, discharge unit location, or anticoagulation choice at discharge. There was a non-significant trend toward longer inpatient length of stay among patients LTFU (16.2 days vs. 12.3 days, p = 0.07), and a significant increase in the proportion of LTFU patients discharged to a facility rather than home ( p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, we found a 95% increase in the odds of being lost to venous thromboembolism-specific follow-up if discharged to a facility (OR 1.95, CI 1.1–3.6, p = 0.03) as opposed to home. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that over one-third of patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism at our institution are lost to venous thromboembolism-specific follow-up, particularly those discharged to a facility. Our work suggests that significant improvement could be achieved by establishing a pathway for the targeted transition of care to a venous thromboembolism-specific follow-up clinic.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document