SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-The Relationship Between Inferior Vena Cava Diameter and D-Dimer Levels

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This retrospective study examined whether inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter is associated with D-dimer levels, based on the idea that a larger vessel diameter may reduce blood velocity and increase venous stasis, potentially affecting thrombosis risk. The authors reviewed emergency department records over a 10-year period at Mercyhealth Hospital in Wisconsin.<br /><br />Patients were included if they were adults who had both a CT scan and a detectable D-dimer test during the same visit. To reduce confounding, the study excluded patients with conditions or medications associated with thrombosis or elevated D-dimer, including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, malignancy, tobacco use, pregnancy, recent surgery, trauma, and anticoagulant or antiplatelet use.<br /><br />A total of 111 patient records were analyzed. The mean age was 56 years, and 66.3% were female. The average IVC diameter was 18.2 mm and the average D-dimer level was 930.1 ng/mL. Linear regression showed no statistically significant association between IVC diameter and D-dimer levels (p = 0.32). The relationship was very weak (r = 0.099), and IVC diameter variability was not explained by D-dimer levels (R² = 0.0098).<br /><br />The authors conclude that IVC diameter likely does not contribute meaningfully to D-dimer formation and is not associated with D-dimer levels in this sample. They note, however, that D-dimer is a sensitive but nonspecific test for venous thromboembolism, and that future research may benefit from larger studies, different statistical models, and measurements of vessel cross-sectional area or volume rather than diameter alone.

Asset Subtitle

Tanen St Clair-Brown

Meta Tag

Author List Shakriat Bello, Tanen St Clair-Brown

Category Research

Concept Inferior Vena Cava Diameter

Concept D-dimer

Concept Venous Stasis

Concept Virchow Triad

Concept Blood Flow Velocity

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, Janesville Wi

Presenting Author Tanen St Clair-Brown

Track Other

Keywords

inferior vena cava

IVC diameter

D-dimer

retrospective study

venous stasis

thrombosis risk

emergency department

linear regression

venous thromboembolism

Wisconsin hospital

Inferior Vena Cava Diameter

D-dimer

Venous Stasis

Virchow Triad

Blood Flow Velocity