I have D-Dimer positive. I have undergone CT scan for lungs, heart. Ultrasound for my legs, liver, kidney and abdomen. Liver functionality test and so many tests with blood. Everything were negative. Doctor suggested to get the D-Dimer done again next friday. I am Hep B positive. Will the Hep B make false positive D-Dimer. Please explain.
Hello, Thank you for using Chat Doctor. Presuming that you have undergone an Anglo CT scan of the lungs which is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, you should not be concerned. Pulmonary embolism is just ruled out. As your legs Doppler ultrasound is normal, this excludes the possible arterial or venous thrombosis of the legs which may have been a cause of elevated D Dimer too. At the other hand D Dimer test even though sensitive, is not a specific test especially when the level is slightly elevated. It may be rose in other conditions such as recent surgeries, trauma, infection, heart attack, liver diseases or rheumatoid arthritis. So you need to rule out any other of the above-mentioned conditions as the cause of high levels of D Dimer. The liver disease may increase the D Dimer level, but usually in advanced stage. So I don't think Hepatitis B may be the cause. So I would suggest you the same as your doctor: just to repeat the exam once more, and if it persists in high levels than you should decide for further diagnostic steps with your treating doctor. Hope this may help you. If there is something else you need to know, please feel free to ask. Thank you, 