Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research (Dec 2023)
Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Patient with Negative Age-Adjusted D-Dimer Level
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.
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