Multi-detector angio-CT and the use of D-dimer for the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia in geriatric patients.

BACKGROUND There is no specific laboratory method for the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy of the D-dimer test in selected cases prior to multi-detector angio-CT, which is expensive and has side effects. METHODS Patients, over 65, with abdominal pain were included in this study. The D-dimer test was applied to 230 (34%) of 676 abdominal pain patients admitted to our emergency service. The D-dimer levels of the patients diagnosed with AMI by angio-CT were compared. RESULTS In AMI patients sensitivity of the D-dimer test was 84.6% and the specificity was 47.9%. Elevated D-dimer levels and AF were observed in 90.9% of the patients diagnosed with AMI by CT. CONCLUSION D-dimer levels were elevated in the AMI patients. Patients suspected of having AMI with unclear clinical results and patients with D-dimer levels above 1000 ng/ml and AF should undergo further evaluation.