Homocysteine and D-dimer levels and
multilayer computed tomography for diagnosing pulmonary artery thromboembolism

Abstract

Aim: D-dimer reportedly plays a leading role in diagnosing pulmonary embolism. Additionally, homocysteine is an established risk factor for atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and thrombosis. Herein, the authors aimed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of D-dimer and homocysteine levels, together with multi-detector computed tomography (CT) in suspected pulmonary embolism.

Methods: The authors examined patients suffering from conditions and complaints that are typical of pulmonary artery thromboembolism (PATE), such as chest pain, haemoptysis, dyspnoea, tachycardia, arterial hypotension, and signs of vein thrombosis in the inferior limbs. In these patients, PATE was found in different localizations with varying rates of severity. D-dimer levels were measured in patients with suspected PATE using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Homocysteine levels were determined by an enzymatic method. All patients were examined to evaluate the presence of pulmonary embolism by multi-detector CT angiopulmonography.

Results: Changes in homocysteine levels can be considered a separate independent factor for PATE diagnostics. The correlation between multi-detector CT angiopulmonography, elevated D-dimer levels, and concomitant hyperhomocysteinemia can be used not only for diagnostics but also for the assessment of the effectiveness of PATE treatment.

Conclusion: Multi-detector CT angiopulmonography, D-dimer levels and related hyperhomocysteinemia can serve as significant laboratory markers in the diagnosis and treatment efficacy of PATE.

Keywords

Homocysteine / D-dimer / pulmonary embolism

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