What condition is indicated by elevated D-dimer levels?

Elevated D-dimer levels are predominantly associated with thrombosis, as they are a breakdown product of fibrin that is formed when a blood clot dissolves. When a thrombus (blood clot) forms, it activates the coagulation cascade, leading to the creation of fibrin. As the thrombus resolves or is broken down, D-dimer is released into the bloodstream, causing its levels to rise.

In clinical practice, the measurement of D-dimer is often used as a part of the assessment for thromboembolic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). While elevated D-dimer can indicate the presence of a thrombus, it is not specific to thrombosis alone and can be elevated in various other conditions. However, in the context of evaluating for thrombosis, significantly high levels lead to a higher suspicion of such events, making it a crucial component in the diagnostic workup.

In contrast, elevated D-dimer levels are not specific indicators of conditions like diabetes, cancer, or heart failure. While they may occasionally see elevated levels in these conditions due to various mechanisms, they are not routinely used as a diagnostic marker for these diseases in the same way they are for thrombot