D-Dimer latex assay as screening method in suspected deep venous thrombosis of the leg. A clinical study and review of the literature.
We examined the usefulness of a new commercially available latex agglutination test, measuring cross-linked fibrin degradation products (D-Dimer) in patients suspected clinically of having deep venous thrombosis of the leg. In 33 patients both contrast venography and D-Dimer latex assay were performed. In this group the test had a sensitivity of 48% for the diagnosis and a specificity of 100%. With a prevalence of 64% in our group the negative predictive value was 52%. We conclude that the D-Dimer latex assay is not useful in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis of the leg. A review of the literature is given.
de Boer
W A
WA
Department of Internal Medicine, Rode Kruis Ziekenhuis, Beverwijk, The Netherlands.
de Haan
M A
MA
Huisman
J W
JW
Klaassen
C H
CH
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; D007840:Latex