What causes increased D-dimer after COVID-19?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have the post-COVID syndrome. My D-dimer increased from 0.22 to 0.74 ng/mL in one month. I had a CT scan for pulmonary embolism, but I am clear. I have neurological issues too. Is the increase in my D-dimer a concern? What if it triples again?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you have been suffering from post-COVID syndrome. Your recent D-dimer is 0.74 ng/mL, which is above normal. Raised D-dimer levels may result from obesity, cardiovascular disease, older age, and viral infections like COVID-19.

A D-dimer value higher than normal is significant, and it may indicate a future chance of developing coagulopathy or blood clots. Three or four times higher than the normal value is also significant and also indicates the chance of developing coagulopathy or blood clots. As you have a recent history of undergoing investigations like a CT (computed tomography) scan that excludes pulmonary embolism or blood clots, and your D-dimer level is not greater than two-fold of an upper limit of normal D-dimer level, get a blood D-dimer test done after a few days.

Take care.