Open AccessWhen does a D-dimer test help make the diagnosis of aortic dissection?
Author(s) -
Erden Erol Ünlüer,
Arıf Karagöz,
Pınar Yeşim Akyol
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
interventional medicine and applied science/interventional medicine and applied science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.195
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 2061-5094
pISSN - 2061-1617
DOI - 10.1556/imas.5.2013.4.8
Subject(s) - medicine , aortic dissection , tamponade , d dimer , radiology , cardiac tamponade , ultrasound , dissection (medical) , acute aortic syndrome , aorta , surgery
We present a case of an 84-year-old woman who presented with vague abdominal discomfort and syncope secondary to a type A acute aortic dissection. In pursuit of the diagnosis, multiple tests were ordered after the history and physical exam were complete. When the D-dimer levels were reported to be high, a bedside transthoracic ultrasound was performed which showed dilated aortic root and pericardial tamponade, leading us to order a computerized tomography to confirm the diagnosis of acute aortic dissection. A diagnostic testing algorithm being used in our institution using D-dimer, ultrasound, and other tests are provided in patients presenting with possible acute aortic dissection. In this case, bedside ultrasound helped us to rapidly make the diagnosis of acute aortic dissection and arrange for further inpatient care.