Does d-dimer level predict pulmonary thromboembolism diagnosis in patients with lung cancer?

Abstract

Aim: In our study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic contribution of d-dimer level in patients with lung cancer, suspected pulmonary thromboembolism(PTE). Materials and Methods: The cases followed-up with lung cancer diagnosis between 2012-2017 were examined retrospectively. A total of 126 cancer patients diagnosed with PTE were included in the study. A total of 101 lung cancer patients without PTE formed control group. Results: A total of 227 lung cancer patients were included in the study. In the group with PTE, consisting of 126 cases, 102 cases were male (81%), 24 were female (19%) and mean age was 61,5 (± 8,91) years. In control group, consisting of 101 cases, 84 of cases were male (83,2%), 17 were female (16,8%) and mean age was 62,5 (±8,72) years. No statistically significant difference was identified between groups with regard to age, sex, cancer stage and comorbidity. While mean level of d-dimer was 4910,67± 5665 ng/dl in PTE group (median 2916; min. 169- max. 45000 ng/dl), mean level was 1917,78± 2122 ng/dl in control group (median 1196; min. 44- max. 1000 ng/dl) (p Conclusion: Although d-dimer values were higher in lung cancer patients, who developed PTE, no “cut off” value was determined as predictive for diagnosis of PTE.