D-dimer in Cavernous sinus Thrombosis

Report By: Varun Kumar - ST5 Emergency medicine
Search checked by Varun Kumar - ST5
Institution: Queens Medical Centre
Date Submitted: 21st October 2008
Last Modified: 21st August 2009
Status: Red (incomplete)

Three Part Question

In [patients presenting to ED with Acute Headaches] does [ Negative D-dimer] rule out [cavernous Sinus Thrombosis]

Clinical Scenario

60 Lady presents with headaches < 72 hours in duration and vague neurological signs. you are not sure what the diagnosis might be and think of cavernous Sinus thrombosis . You get a CT head which is normal . You think if a D-dimer levels were low could you exlude Cavernous sinus thrombosis a dangerous cause of Headaches.