Objectives

Venous thrombosis represents a major clinical problem, both because of its high incidence and the fact that is often complicated with fatal pulmonary embolism. D-dimer level is the diagnostic parameter used to exclude venous thrombosis and to confirm thrombosis revealed by diagnostic imaging studies. The aim of this study was to assess D-dimer levels in a group of patients scheduled for femoropopliteal bypass and to compare results of this laboratory test to those obtained in a group of volunteers without lower limb ischaemia.

Material and methods

The study group consisted of 102 patients presenting with lower limb ischaemia (50 with stage IIb according to Fontaine’s classification and 52 with stage III) and 49 individuals in the control group.

Results

Levels of D-dimer differed significantly between the groups. In patients presenting with Fontaine’s stage IIb, Fontaine’s stage III, and in control group they were, respectively: 0.87 ±0.31 µg/ml, 0.90 ±0.95 µg/ml, and 0.44 ±0.21 µg/ml.

Conclusions

In comparison with healthy controls, D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients presenting with lower limb ischaemia.