What Causes Elevated D-dimer Levels While Having Gallstones And Pressure In The Gallbladder Region?

Posted on Wed, 28 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 Answered on

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : D-Dimer came back 4.37. Tested yesterday for clots - negative. What else can ccontribute to high result? I am having pressure in gall bladder area. Have been told lots of gall stones. I have avoided surgery.
Had bilateral breast cancer lumpectomies last April. Any comments please.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Different possible causes...

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

D dimer is the breakdown product of fibrin which is part of the blood that plays a role in clotting and inflammation/irritation.

It can be elevated due to different conditions including a clot.

The other causes of elevated d dimer include-
(1) trauma
(2) inflammation, e.g. from infection
(3) liver disease
(4) heart disease
(5) malignancy is a rare cause
(6) high triglycerides (measured when looking at cholesterol)

It is possible that the increase is not due to a clot or another serious cause but may be related to slight trauma or infection.

If a clot is definitely ruled out by the other tests then further tests may be done to find the other cause.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar