D-dimer measurements in acute aortic dissection

  • Vladyslava Bazylevska Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock TX
  • Alvaro Rosales
  • Scott Shurmur
Keywords: aortic dissection, D-dimer, diagnosis

Abstract

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a medical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis can be challenging due to the wide array of presenting symptoms and a broad differential diagnosis. Computed tomographic angiography is currently the gold standard for diagnosis of AAD. However, it carries the risk of contrast and radiation exposure and has a financial burden for patients. Multiple biomarkers have been evaluated as a screening tool for AAD. D-dimer has previously been suggested as a sole rule-out test for AAD. It is rapid and inexpensive, is widely available in the emergency rooms, and is highly sensitive for any thrombotic event. This review article evaluates the evidence for the use of D-dimer assays in the diagnosis of AAD, in differentiation of AAD from acute coronary syndromes, and in risk stratification of AAD patients.

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Author Biography

Vladyslava Bazylevska, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock TX
MD, pulmonary physician, expertise- clinical projects, ICU, COPD, general pulmonary medicine
Published
2016-07-15
How to Cite
Bazylevska, V., Rosales, A., & Shurmur, S. (2016). D-dimer measurements in acute aortic dissection. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles, 4(15), 38-46. Retrieved from https://pulmonarychronicles.com/index.php/pulmonarychronicles/article/view/282