Analysis of Measured D-dimer Levels for Detection of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism After Spinal Surgery

Abstract

The D-dimer assay was useful in predicting DVT development. A D-dimer level of ≥10 μg/mL is considered to be a risk factor for thromboembolic disease after spinal surgery. False-positive cases of thromboembolic disease preclude the use of this assay as a stand-alone test for DVT diagnosis. CT venography and CT pulmonary angiography are recommended to confirm thromboembolic disease.