Could a slightly high D-dimer mean early DVT?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently traveled abroad and it was around 20 hours of flying both ways. I returned two days ago and went to the doctor with some pain in my knee. He ordered an ultrasound which came back negative for blood clots. Yesterday, I worked myself into a panic attack and returned to the doctor who then did a D-dimer.

My results came below 0.5, specifically at 0.41. However, I had a D-dimer last year that was 0.33, so it is elevated based on that baseline. The doctor who delivered both results said to come back if the pain did not subside or got worse.

As of today, the pain is not worse but does feel like it has spread into the top of my calf and back of my thigh. It feels kind of like a minor cramp. My question is whether it is possible that these tests were conducted too early, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis of DVT. And could my increased D-dimer levels be a result of the early stages of a blot clot? And if so, would you recommend I go to the ER tonight or wait until the doctor opens in the morning?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. The probable cause for the pain you are experiencing can be a long journey by flight. Since you are still having some pain and discomfort in the legs and the posterior aspect of the thighs, I would suggest you consult a general surgeon.

Other than the said blood tests, I would also suggest you get a venous Doppler test done to check for DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Along with this, an arterial Doppler can also be carried out. Please do not exert your lower limbs till the surgeon rules out any DVT. Also, it would be good to keep both your legs in an elevated position to prevent edema formation.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Regards.