[Use of D-dimer to exclude upper extremity deep venous thrombosis]

D-dimer is often used to exclude deep venous thrombosis, primarily in the lower extremities. We describe a 38-year-old man who had deep venous thrombosis in the left vena subclavia in spite of a normal D-dimer. Only one inconclusive survey compares the value of D-dimer and upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. We conclude that where deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremities is suspected, you cannot rely on the D-dimer value, but should examine the patient using other modalities such as colour Doppler ultrasound.