Does an elevated ultrasensitive D-dimer level in a patient whose pre-test probability puts him at low risk for pulmonary embolus (PE) indicate an increased risk for PE or deep venous thrombosis (DVT)?

Overreliance on D-dimer testing and similarity to other conditions may mean pulmonary embolism or venous thromboembolism is missed in pregnant women.

Although D-dimer results within a typical range can rule out pulmonary embolism, high results alone can’t diagnose this condition. Doctors usually need to run extra tests to make a diagnosis. A ...