“Ddimer ”
Female 38
For about two weeks now I have felt sob and high heart rate… oxygen is fine. I’ve had a ddimer on the 19th. 22nd. And the 30th all were the same supposed to be .50 or under mines .52. Drs didn’t want to do any scans bcs I’ve had elevated ddimers before and it’s not extremely elevated and my o2 is ok. Plus I’m allergic to ct dye and steroids. However I’m still worried
For about two weeks now I have felt sob and high heart rate… oxygen is fine. I’ve had a ddimer on the 19th. 22nd. And the 30th all were the same supposed to be .50 or under mines .52. Drs didn’t want to do any scans bcs I’ve had elevated ddimers before and it’s not extremely elevated and my o2 is ok. Plus I’m allergic to ct dye and steroids. However I’m still worried
Female | 38 years old
Complaint duration: 2 weeks
1 Answer
The d-dimer test is helpful if normal. Blood clots are very rare with a normal d-dimer. But an elevated d-dimer does not atomically mean there is a pathological blood clot in the legs or lungs. Minimal trauma, bruises, surgery can all give an elevated d-dimer. One that is normal or close to makes a blood clot unlikely.
Most allergies to contrast can be safely treated by pre medicating with steroids and antihistamines. Doppler ultrasound can also detect clots in the arms or legs if there is swelling on one side or the other. A nuclear medicine lung scan can also detect blood clots without the use of contrast. Not all medical facilities have the capability to do the nuclear medicine scans.
Most allergies to contrast can be safely treated by pre medicating with steroids and antihistamines. Doppler ultrasound can also detect clots in the arms or legs if there is swelling on one side or the other. A nuclear medicine lung scan can also detect blood clots without the use of contrast. Not all medical facilities have the capability to do the nuclear medicine scans.
