Question

A 62-year-old with intermediate pretest probability for PE has a D‑dimer of 550 ng/mL FEU. Age is 62 years. Using age‑adjusted thresholds, what is the best next step?

Accepted Answer

Use an upper limit of 620 ng/mL (10 × age in FEU); no imaging is needed

Answer

Proceed to CT pulmonary angiography because the value exceeds 500

Answer

Apply the PERC rule to avoid imaging

Answer

Order bilateral leg ultrasound only

Answer

Repeat D‑dimer in 24 hours

Practice question

A 62-year-old with intermediate pretest probability for PE has a D‑dimer of 550 ng/mL FEU. Age is 62 years. Using age‑adjusted thresholds, what is the best next step?