The correlation of the D-dimer test and biphasic computed tomography with mesenteric computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia

• Published in: The American journal of surgery 2009-04, Vol.197 (4), p.429-433
• Main Authors: Akyildiz, Hizir, M.D, Akcan, Alper, M.D, Oztürk, Ahmet, Ph.D, Sozuer, Erdogan, M.D, Kucuk, Can, M.D, Karahan, Ibrahim, M.D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdomen; Acute mesenteric ischemia; Angiography; Biological and medical sciences; Biphasic computed tomography (CT) with mesenteric CT angiography; Cardiovascular system; Computation; Computed tomography; Correlation analysis; D-dimer; Diagnosis; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Fibrinogen; General aspects; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Ischemia; Laboratories; Medical imaging; Medical prognosis; Medical sciences; Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion - diagnosis; Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion - metabolism; Patients; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Rodents; Sensitivity; Surgery; Thrombosis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Veins & arteries
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2008.02.011

Abstract Background Early diagnosis is the main factor to improve the outcome of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). The goal of this study was to assess the correlation of the D-dimer test and biphasic computed tomography (CT) with mesenteric CT angiography for the diagnosis of AMI. Methods Selected consecutive patients with a clinical suspicion of AMI were admitted to the study. Blood samples were taken before biphasic CT with mesenteric CT angiography examination. Results The sensitivity and specificity values of biphasic CT with mesenteric CT angiography were 92.9% and 89.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer testing for the diagnosis of AMI were 94.7% and 78.6%, respectively. D-dimer levels higher than 3.17 μg fibrinogen equivalent units/mL were more specific ( P < .0001) and acted similarly to the biphasic CT with mesenteric CT angiography in the diagnosis of AMI. Conclusions In the setting of early diagnosis of AMI, the D-dimer test may improve our ability to diagnose patients in whom we cannot use multidetector row CT with CT angiography.