Ann Geriatr Med Res.  2023 Dec;27(4):353-357. 10.4235/agmr.23.0110.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Patient with Negative Age-Adjusted D-Dimer Level

• Sheth MA

• KMID: 2549660
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/agmr.23.0110

Abstract

D-dimer level, along with a clinical probability tool that uses the Wells score, is commonly used to exclude deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Age-adjusted D-dimer values are routinely used in clinical practice to increase the negative predictive value and avoid unnecessary Doppler ultrasound imaging. We describe a patient with a low pre-test probability of DVT upon admission and a negative D-dimer level based on age-adjusted values who was later diagnosed with DVT. Our experiences with this case highlight that the geriatric population is unique and, at times, frail.

Keyword

Deep venous thrombosis; Pulmonary embolisms; D-dimer; Bias; Geriatrics; Doppler ultrasound imagings