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Pulmonary Embolism (age-adjusted D-dimer) — MRCEM SBA MCQ

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ModerateEmergency MedicinePulmonary Embolism (age-adjusted D-dimer)MRCEM SBA

A 69-year-old with suspected PE is intermediate risk by Wells; D-dimer (FEU) is 460 µg/L and age 69. Which interpretation is correct for age-adjusted cutoff?

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Correct answer: B — Negative (cutoff age×10 = 690 µg/L)

ACEP allows use of age-adjusted D-dimer (FEU: age×10 µg/L) in patients >50 years at low/intermediate risk. For age 69, cutoff is 690 µg/L, so 460 is negative. Using 500 for all ignores adjustment. Age×5 applies to D-dimer units (DDU), not FEU.

Reference: ACEP Clinical Policy (2018): Suspected Acute Venous Thromboembolic Disease