The correlation of the D-dimer test and biphasic computed tomography with mesenteric computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.

Background: Early diagnosis is the main factor to improve the outcome of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). The goal of this study was to assess the correlation of the D-dimer test and biphasic computed tomography (CT) with mesenteric CT angiography for the diagnosis of AMI.

Methods: Selected consecutive patients with a clinical suspicion of AMI were admitted to the study. Blood samples were taken before biphasic CT with mesenteric CT angiography examination.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity values of biphasic CT with mesenteric CT angiography were 92.9% and 89.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer testing for the diagnosis of AMI were 94.7% and 78.6%, respectively. D-dimer levels higher than 3.17 microg fibrinogen equivalent units/mL were more specific (P < .0001) and acted similarly to the biphasic CT with mesenteric CT angiography in the diagnosis of AMI.

Conclusions: In the setting of early diagnosis of AMI, the D-dimer test may improve our ability to diagnose patients in whom we cannot use multidetector row CT with CT angiography.