The purpose of this study is to see if a blood test (D-dimer) is as precise as the CT scan for the detection of clots. A pulmonary embolism is an obstruction of the blood vessels in your lungs usually due to a blood clot that travels to the lungs usually from the leg. Research has shown that the results of a specific blood test (D-dimer) can be used instead of a CT scan to diagnose clots. D-dimer is a valuable diagnostic marker in either detecting the presence of or monitoring the progress of blood clots. D-dimer assays have proven to be a beneficial diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
213
A CT pulmonary angiogram and a d-dimer drawn within 24 hours.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, United States
The negative predictive value of the d-dimer assay relative to CT pulmonary angiogram will be the primary measure of accuracy used for this purpose.
Time frame: conclusion of study
To estimate the positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of the d-dimer assay relative to CT pulmonary angiogram.
Time frame: conclusion of study
To explore the association between the accuracy of the d-dimer assay and clinical symptoms indicating pulmonary embolism.
Time frame: conclusion of study
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