D-dimer

D-dimer is a commonly tested biological marker which is produced by the enzymatic breakdown of cross-linked fibrin which forms the fibrous mesh of a blood clot. The measurement of D-dimer in the circulation acts as a marker of coagulation and fibrinolysis, which can be useful in the diagnosis of multiple diseases.

Validated uses of D-dimer
Unvalidated uses of D-dimer
Conditions associated with a raised D-dimer
Conditions associated with an extremely high D-Dimer

In a recent large study an extreme elevated level was arbitrarily defined as >5,000 µg/L . The vast majority of cases were associated with severe disease:

  • malignancy
  • sepsis
  • venous thromboembolism
  • others
    • trauma, surgery, aortic dissection/aneurysm,