Tomáš Petrovič, Tomáš Koller, Juraj Payer
Venous thromboembolism represents a remarkably serious and frequent cardiovascular disease. In view of its variable clinical picture and weak specificity of symptoms the condition remains frequently undiagnosed. On the other hand even when considered, it often remains a diagnostic challenge. D-dimer testing is the basic laboratory test used. In the case of negative result and using an appropriate method of D-dimer testing (ELISA, LIA) in the scenario of intermediate or low clinical probability the disease can be excluded owing to its high negative predictive value. Prognostic value is another benefit of D-dimer testing. High entry values are considered as markers of increased risk of malignancy and overall negative patient prognosis. Increased D-dimer levels after withdrawal of anticoagulation also represent a risk factor of venous thromboembolism recurrence and could therefore serve as an argument for further anticoagulation treatment.