D-dimer testing as an adjunct to ultrasonography in patients with clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis: prospective cohort study

Abstract

Testing for D-dimer as an adjunct to a normal baseline ultrasound examination decreased the number of subsequent ultrasound examinations considerably without any increased risk of venous thromboembolic complications in patients not receiving anticoagulants. The use of ultrasound and testing for D-dimer enabled treatment decisions to be made at the time of presentation in most patients.