Diagnostic Accuracy Of D-Dimer Assay In Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Patients

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common diagnostic problem, particularly in hospitalized patients, with significant morbidity and mortality; the later reaching 30% in untreated cases. Failure to diagnose PE is associated with high mortality and incorrect diagnosis of the condition unnecessarily exposes the patient to the risks of anticoagulant therapy. There are several diagnostic modalities available to aid the diagnosis of PE, including assessment of clinical probability, D-dimer, testing, Chest X-ray, ventilation perfusion lung scanning and CTPA.Results:The recorded accuracy of D-dimer was 76.6% while its sensitivity and specificity as regard the final diagnosis by CTPA were 90 % and 37.5% respectively.The recorded the recorded sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of PetCO2 as regard the final diagnosis by CTPA were 68%, 87.5%, 50%, 93.7%.Conclusion:• D-dimer alone cannot exclude or confirm the presence of PE without taking into consideration the clinical score of the patient.• The combination of D-dimer, PetCO2≤28.5 mmHg and the clinical probability increase or negate the possibility of PE..