Relationship Between CRP, D-Dimer, D-Dimer/CRP with Clinical Probability and Diagnostic Value in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Thoromboembolism

Objective: It was planned to investigate the diagnostic values for pulmonary thromboembolisym (PTE) by examining D-dimer, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), D-dimer/CRP ratio of patients who underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and/or lung scintigraphy with pre-diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. So it was thought that unnecessary computed tomograpy pulmonary Angiography could be reduced. Method: In our study, patients who were admitted to the chest diseases outpatient clinic and emergency department, who underwent CT pumonary Angiography and/or lung scintigraphy with a pre-diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, and who were simultaneously studied for D-dimer and CRP examinations were retrospectively evaluated. The efficiency and reliability of the Wells score and the combination of D-dimer, CRP and D-dimer/CRP ratio in the prediagnosis of pulmonary embolism were evaluated. Results: 46 of 79 patients with suspected pulmonary embolism included in our study were diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism with advanced tests. While the sensitivity and specificity of Wells score, D-dimer and CRP in diagnosing PTE were 41.3-100%, 91.3-27.3% and 84.7-42.4%, respectively, the cut off value of D-dimer/CRP ratio was 119.5. We found statistically significant higher D-dimer levels in patients with probable PTE according to Wells clinical scores. However, D-dimer/CRP ratio and CRP levels were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: In our study, D-dimer and CRP ratios were found to be significantly higher in patients with PTE, but D-dimer/CRP ratios were found to be less valuable in the diagnosis of PTE sensitivity and specificity.

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Exclusion of pulmonary embolism using C-reactive protein and D-dimer

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th03-03-0175 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 90 (12) ◽

pp. 1198-1203 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Daniel Hayoz ◽

Bertrand Yersin ◽

Arnaud Perrier ◽

Ghassan Barghouth ◽

Pierre Schnyder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Clinical Judgment ◽

Prediction Rule ◽

Pulmonary Angiography ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Probability Assessment ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Clinical Probability ◽

D Dimer

SummaryOur goal was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) alone or combined with clinical probability assessment in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), and to compare its performance to a D-dimer assay. We conducted a prospective study in which we performed a common immuno-turbidimetric CRP test and a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) D-dimer test in 259 consecutive outpatients with suspected PE at the emergency department of a teaching hospital. We assessed clinical probability of PE by a validated prediction rule overridden by clinical judgment. Patients with D-dimer levels ≥ 500 µg/l underwent a work-up consisting of lower-limb venous ultrasound, spiral computer-ized tomography, ventilation-perfusion scan, or pulmonary angiography. Patients were followed up for three months. Seventy-seven (30%) of the patients had PE.The CRP alone had a sensitivity of 84% (95% confidence interval [CI).: 74 to 92%) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 87% (95% CI: 78 to 93%) at a cutpoint of 5 mg/l. Overall, 61 (24%) patients with a low clinical probability of PE had a CRP < 5 mg/l. Due to the low prevalence of PE (9%) in this subgroup, the NPV increased to 97% (95% CI: 89 to 100%). The D-dimer (cutpoint 500 µg/l) showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 95 to 100%) and a NPV of 100% (95% CI: 94 to 100%) irrespective of clinical probability and accurately rule out PE in 56 (22%) patients. Standard CRP tests alone or combined with clinical probability assessment cannot safely exclude PE.

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THE RELIABILITY OF CLINICAL PROBABILITY SCORE IN (WELLS SCORE) THE DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE) IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

International Journal of Advanced Research ◽

10.21474/ijar01/13417 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (09) ◽

pp. 345-349

Author(s):

Saleh Alkhubaizi ◽

◽

Ahmad Al. ALalwi ◽

Mamdoh Mahboob ◽

Mohammed Al. Thubity ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Medical Records ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Medical Center ◽

Pulmonary Angiography ◽

Clinical Probability ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Wells Score ◽

D Dimer

Background: The risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE) is high in patients infected with COVID-19, and its diagnosis is a severe challenge for healthcare professionals duringthe COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians are frequently usingcomputed tomography pulmonary angiography(CTPA), d-dimer, and well score for the diagnosis of PE. Methods: A retrospective study was used in which we investigated the reliability of clinical well scores by collecting data, such as medical records in registered form (serum D-dimer level and Wells scores) of every patient for whom physicians have requested whose CTPA with suspicion of PE at King Faisal Medical Center (KFMC) from the period from 1st of April to the 1st of October. Results: The study results showed significantly higher values of d-dimer in patients with positive PEcompared to those with negative values. In addition wells score is not a reliable preclinical score in diagnosis PE in COVID 19 patient. Conclusions: As per the results of the well score, there is no significant difference between vulnerable people with PE +ve and -ve.

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Performance of five D-dimer assays for the exclusion of symptomatic distal leg vein thrombosis

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th11-07-0511 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 107 (02) ◽

pp. 369-378 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Jan Schwonberg ◽

Carola Hecking ◽

Marc Schindewolf ◽

Dimitrios Zgouras ◽

Susanne Lehmeyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Sensitivity ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Clinical Probability ◽

Wells Score ◽

Deep Vein ◽

Test Result ◽

D Dimer ◽

Rule Out ◽

Compression Ultrasonography

SummaryThe diagnostic value of D-dimer (DD) in the exclusion of proximal deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is well-established but is less well-known in the exclusion of distal (infrapopliteal) DVT. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic abilities of five DD assays (Vidas-DD, Liatest-DD, HemosIL-DD, HemosIL-DDHS, Innovance-DD) for excluding symptomatic proximal and distal leg DVT. A total of 243 outpatients whose symptoms were suggestive of DVT received complete compression ultrasonography (cCUS) of the symptomatic leg(s). The clinical probability of DVT (PTP) was assessed by Wells score. Thirty-eight proximal and 31 distal DVTs (17 tibial/fibular DVTs, 14 muscle DVTs) were diagnosed by cCUS. Although all assays showed high sensitivity for proximal DVT (range 97–100%), the sensitivity was poor for distal DVT (range 78–93%). None of the assays were individually able to rule out all DVTs as a stand-alone test (negative predictive value [NPV] 91–96%). However, a negative DD test result combined with a low PTP exhibited a NPV of 100% for all DVTs (including proximal, tibial/fibular, and muscle DVTs) with the HemosIL-DDHS and Innovance-DD. All proximal and tibial/fibular DVTs, but not all muscle DVTs, could be ruled out with this strategy using the Liatest-DD and Vidas-DD. The HemosIL-DD could not exclude distal leg DVT, even in combination with a low PTP. The combination of a negative DD with a low PTP showed a specificity of 32–35% for all DVTs. In conclusion, our study shows that when used in conjunction with a low PTP some DD assays are useful tools for the exclusion of distal leg DVT.

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Wells’ Score in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in Patient with Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report

Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research ◽

10.1515/sjecr-2017-0061 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 281-285

Author(s):

Dragan Panic ◽

Andreja Todorovic ◽

Milica Stanojevic ◽

Violeta Iric Cupic

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Chest Pain ◽

Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Pretest Probability ◽

Clinical Prediction ◽

Clinical Prediction Rules ◽

Prediction Rules ◽

Clinical Probability ◽

Wells Score ◽

D Dimer

Abstract Current diagnostic workup of patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE) usually starts with the assessment of clinical pretest probability, using clinical prediction rules and plasma D-dimer measurement. Although an accurate diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients is thus of crucial importance, the diagnostic management of suspected PE is still challenging. A 60-year-old man with chest pain and expectoration of blood was admitted to the Department of Cardiology, General Hospital in Cuprija, Serbia. After physical examination and laboratory analyses, the diagnosis of Right side pleuropne monia and acute pulmonary embolism was established. Clinically, patient was hemodynamically stable, auscultative slightly weaker respiratory sound right basal, without pretibial edema. Laboratory: C-reactive protein (CRP) 132.9 mg/L, Leukocytes (Le) 18.9x109/L, Erythrocytes (Er) 3.23x1012/L, Haemoglobin (Hgb) 113 g/L, Platelets (Plt) 79x109/L, D-dimer 35.2. On the third day after admission, D-dimer was increased and platelet count was decreased (Plt up to 62x109/L). According to Wells’ rules, score was 2.5 (without symptoms on admission), a normal clinical finding with clinical manifestation of hemoptysis and chest pain, which represents the intermediate level of clinical probability of PE. After the recidive of PE, Wells’ score was 6.5. In summary, this study suggests that Wells’ score, based on a patient’s risk for pulmonary embolism, is a valuable guidance for decision-making in combination with knowledge and experience of clinicians. Clinicians should use validated clinical prediction rules to estimate pretest probability in patients in whom acute PE is being consiered.

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

Advances in Medicine ◽

10.1155/2015/357576 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

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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Systematic review and meta-analysis of test accuracy for the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary embolism

Blood Advances ◽

10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001052 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (18) ◽

pp. 4296-4311

Author(s):

Parth Patel ◽

Payal Patel ◽

Meha Bhatt ◽

Cody Braun ◽

Housne Begum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Pulmonary Angiography ◽

Evaluation Framework ◽

Test Accuracy ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Life Threatening ◽

D Dimer

Abstract Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common, potentially life-threatening yet treatable condition. Prompt diagnosis and expeditious therapeutic intervention is of paramount importance for optimal patient management. Our objective was to systematically review the accuracy of D-dimer assay, compression ultrasonography (CUS), computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), and ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scanning for the diagnosis of suspected first and recurrent PE. We searched Cochrane Central, MEDLINE, and EMBASE for eligible studies, reference lists of relevant reviews, registered trials, and relevant conference proceedings. 2 investigators screened and abstracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 and certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. We pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity. The review included 61 studies. The pooled estimates for D-dimer sensitivity and specificity were 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-0.98) and 0.41 (95% CI, 0.36-0.46) respectively, whereas CTPA sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89-0.97) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97-0.99), respectively, and CUS sensitivity and specificity were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.31-0.66) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95-0.98), respectively. Three variations of pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity of V/Q scan were carried out, based on interpretation of test results. D-dimer had the highest sensitivity when compared with imaging. CTPA and V/Q scans (high probability scan as a positive and low/non-diagnostic/normal scan as negative) both had the highest specificity. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42018084669.

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Performance of magnetic resonance angiography in suspected acute pulmonary embolism

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th04-08-0495 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 93 (03) ◽

pp. 503-511 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Abdelouahab Bellou ◽

Francis Guillemin ◽

Philippe Douek ◽

Marie-Claude Laprévote-Heully ◽

Denis Wahl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Magnetic Resonance Angiography ◽

Spiral Ct ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Pulmonary Angiography ◽

Observer Agreement ◽

Prospective Clinical Study ◽

Diagnostic Strategy ◽

Clinical Probability

SummaryPulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially fatal disorder. Non-specific findings make the clinical diagnosis of PE difficult. To assess the diagnostic value and inter-observer agreement of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in a cohort of patients with suspected PE, we conducted a prospective clinical study. MRA was compared for sensitivity and specificity to a diagnostic strategy including clinical probability, D-dimer testing, spiral CT, ultrasound leg compression and pulmonary angiography. A total of 89 patients with clinically suspected PE were included: the clinical probability of PE was intermediate or high in 78, and low in the remaining 11. All patients underwent mono-or multi-slice spiral CT and MRA with gadolinium injection (both within 24 hours of entry to the study). Anticoagulation was withheld in patients concerned about the strategy. All subjects were followed up for 3 months. MRA was read independently by two experienced teams of radiologists: one local and one from another university centre. Spiral CT was positive in 62 of 63 cases of confirmed PE. No patient with negative CT findings was positive ultrasonographically. Only one patient with a negative CT (and negative ultrasound) had a recurrent thromboembolic event. The first team diagnosed PE with MRA in 47 cases, with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 92%; the second team obtained the diagnosis in 23 cases, with a sensitivity of 31% and a specificity of 85%. Inter-observer agreement between MRA reading was low: Kappa = 0.16 (-0.01 to 0.33); p = 0.07. In conclusion, compared with a non-invasive strategy based on spiral CT, the diagnostic value of MRA is limited by poor inter-observer agreement.

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Overutilisation of imaging studies for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: are we following the guidelines?

Postgraduate Medical Journal ◽

10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-135995 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 95 (1126) ◽

pp. 420-424 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Prajwal Dhakal ◽

Mian Harris Iftikhar ◽

Ling Wang ◽

Varunsiri Atti ◽

Sagar Panthi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Imaging Study ◽

Pulmonary Angiography ◽

Imaging Studies ◽

Hospital Emergency ◽

Wells Score ◽

Observational Cohort ◽

Current Guidelines ◽

Retrospective Observational Cohort Study ◽

D Dimer

ObjectiveTo evaluate if imaging studies such as CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) scan are ordered according to the current guidelines for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE).MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational cohort study in all adult patients who presented to the Sparrow Hospital Emergency Department from January 2014 to December 2016 and underwent CTPA or V/Q scan. We calculated the Wells’ score retrospectively, and d-dimer values were used to determine if the imaging study was justified.ResultsA total of 8449 patients underwent CTPA (93%) or V/Q scan (7%), among which 142 (1.7%) patients were diagnosed with PE. The Wells’ criteria showed low probabilities for PE in 96 % and intermediate or high probabilities in 4 % of total patients. Modified Wells’ criteria demonstrated PE unlikely in 99.6 % and PE likely in 0.4 % of total patients. D-dimer was obtained in only 37 % of patients who were unlikely to have a PE or had a low score on Wells’ criteria. Despite a low or unlikely Wells’ criteria score and normal d-dimer levels, 260 patients underwent imaging studies, and none were diagnosed with PE.ConclusionMore than 99 % of CTPA or V/Q scans were negative in our study. This suggests extraordinary overutilisation of the imaging methods. D-dimer, recommended in patients with low to moderate risk, was ordered in only one-third of patients. Much greater emphasis of current guidelines is needed to avoid inappropriate utilisation of resources without missing diagnosis of PE.

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P113: Comparison of age-adjusted and clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer for diagnosing pulmonary embolism

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2017.315 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (S1) ◽

pp. S116

Author(s):

S. Sharif ◽

C. Kearon ◽

M. Li ◽

M. Eventov ◽

R. Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

False Negative ◽

False Negative Rate ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Ct Scanning ◽

Clinical Probability ◽

Negative Rate ◽

Wells Score ◽

Acute Pe ◽

D Dimer

Introduction: Diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department can be challenging due to non-specific signs and symptoms; this often results in the over-utilization of CT pulmonary angiography (CT-PA). In 2013, the American College of Chest Physicians identified CT-PA as one of the top five avoidable tests. Age-adjusted D-dimer has been shown to decrease CT utilization rates. Recently, clinical-probability adjusted D-dimer has been promoted as an alternative strategy to reduce CT scanning. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of the age-adjusted D-dimer rule and the clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer rule in Canadian ED patients tested for PE. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of ED patients investigated for PE at two hospitals from April 2013 to March 2015 (24 months). Inclusion criteria were the ED physician ordered CT-PA, Ventilation-Perfusion (VQ) scan or D-dimer for investigation of PE. Patients under the age of 18 were excluded. PE was defined as CT/VQ diagnosis of acute PE or acute PE/DVT in 30-day follow-up. Trained researchers extracted anonymized data. The age-adjusted D-dimer and the clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer rules were applied retrospectively. The rate of CT/VQ imaging and the false negative rates were calculated. Results: In total, 1,189 patients were tested for PE. 1,129 patients had a D-dimer test and a Wells score less than 4.0. 364/1,129 (32.3%, 95%CI 29.6-35.0%) would have undergone imaging for PE if the age-adjusted D-dimer rule was used. 1,120 patients had a D-dimer test and a Wells score less than 6.0. 217/1,120 patients (19.4%, 95%CI 17.2-21.2%) would have undergone imaging for PE if the clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer rule was used. The false-negative rate for the age-adjusted D-dimer rule was 0.3% (95%CI 0.1-0.9%). The false-negative rate of the clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer was 1.0% (95%CI 0.5-1.9%). Conclusion: The false-negative rates for both the age-adjusted D-dimer and clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer are low. The clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer results in a 13% absolute reduction in CT scanning compared to age-adjusted D-dimer.

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Deciding on thrombolytic therapy in pulmonary embolism - is there room for lactate?

Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo ◽

10.2298/sarh170126157o ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 146 (7-8) ◽

pp. 436-439

Author(s):

Dusanka Obradovic ◽

Biljana Joves ◽

Svetislava Milic ◽

Jovan Matijasevic ◽

Stanislava Sovilj-Gmizic

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

High Risk ◽

Thrombolytic Therapy ◽

Hemodynamic Instability ◽

Positive Outcome ◽

Pulmonary Angiography ◽

Clinical Probability ◽

Tissue Hypoperfusion ◽

Therapeutic Algorithms ◽

Wells Score

Introduction. Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for pulmonary embolism (PE) have been frequently modified; however, determining clinical probability, which dictates further procedures, has remained the first step. The objective was to illustrate therapeutic dilemma in a patient with intermediate high risk for 30-day mortality. Case outline. The patient was a 56-years-old woman who was referred to our institution for suspected PE. According to the Wells score, the patient was deemed as low-probability for venous thromboembolism, and after further stratification she was placed in a group with intermediate high risk for 30-day mortality. PE was confirmed by computerised tomography pulmonary angiography and she initially received heparin. During the further clinical course, she developed hemodynamic instability, and she received thrombolytic therapy, with a positive outcome. The patient also had increased lactate at admission ? marker of tissue hypoperfusion which is not a part of the routine laboratory work-up in PE patients. Conclusion. Current guidelines state that patients with intermediate high risk for 30-day mortality should be treated with heparin, and then continuously monitored in order to timely recognize potential hemodynamic instability and consequently apply thrombolytics. In the outlined case, thrombolytic therapy was applied only after the patient developed hemodynamic instability, although previously she had early signs of tissue hypoperfusion.

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