Pragmatic classification of the causes of high D-dimer.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains the most common preventable cause of in-hospital death and D-dimer (DD) is one of the essential diagnostic tools for it. Each risk factor for VTE can raise DD and they are numerous: 24 listed in 2008 European Guidelines. Acute coronary syndrome and stroke increase DD concentration, too. Thus, all three most important causes of cardiovascular death are capable of raising DD. Recent evidence suggests DD as a sensitive marker also for acute aortic dissection. Many other processes may raise DD concentration: atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, etc. The adequate DD interpretation is additionally important due to the frequent usage of the test (probably millions of times a year in the world). Simple and concise classification is much easier to remember and such one is suggested.