Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2025

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Predictive Value of Combination of D-dimer and Fibrinogen in Diagnosing Acute CVST
Abhishek Pathak1,2, Varun Kumar Singh1,2, Anand Kumar1
1Department of Neurology, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Insights
The combination of D-dimer and fibrinogen tests can help in the early diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). This diagnostic approach offers higher specificity and positive predictive value for acute CVST.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare stroke subtype.
- Previous studies on D-dimer and fibrinogen for CVST diagnosis show varied results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of combined D-dimer and fibrinogen testing for early acute CVST diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients with confirmed acute CVST were enrolled.
- D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were measured using a rapid latex agglutination assay.
Main Results:
- The combined D-dimer and fibrinogen assay showed 75% sensitivity, 75% specificity, and 75% positive predictive value.
- While sensitivity was lower than individual markers, specificity and PPV were improved.
Conclusions:
- Combined D-dimer and fibrinogen testing may improve early diagnosis of acute CVST.
- This approach could potentially enhance patient management strategies.
Background:
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon subtype of stroke, and the role of D-dimer and fibrinogen in early diagnosis of CVST has been studied with varying results. The present study aims to study the role of the combination of D-dimer and fibrinogen in early diagnosis of acute CVST.
Methods:
Forty consecutive confirmed acute CVST cases admitted at a tertiary care center were recruited for the study. D-dimer and fibrinogen were assessed by a rapid semiquantitative latex agglutination assay.
Results:
Out of the 40 CVST patients, 21 (52.50%) were females. The mean age of the patients was 37.58 years ± 19.17 years. Common clinical features were headache (N = 38 [95%]), papilloedema (N = 15 [37.5%]), and seizures (N = 12 [30%]). Although the sensitivity (75%) of the combination of D-dimer and fibrinogen assay was lower than that of D-dimer or fibrinogen alone, the specificity and positive predictive value (75% each) was higher.
Conclusion:
The combination of D-dimer and fibrinogen testing may aid in an early diagnosis of acute CVST and in better management.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

