Safety of a D-dimer based strategy and repeated ultrasonography did not differ in DVT and normal proximal vein ultrasonographyA randomized trial of diagnostic strategies after normal proximal vein ultrasonography for suspected deep venous thrombosis: D-dimer testing compared with repeated ultrasonography.

Kearon C, Ginsberg JS, Douketis J, et al. A randomized trial of diagnostic strategies after normal proximal vein ultrasonography for suspected deep venous thrombosis: D-dimer testing compared with repeated ultrasonography. Ann Intern Med 2005; 142:490–6.KearonCGinsbergJSDouketisJet alA randomized trial of diagnostic strategies after normal proximal vein ultrasonography for suspected deep venous thrombosis: D-dimer testing compared with repeated ultrasonography.Ann Intern Med2005142490-6Q In patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and negative results on proximal vein ultrasonography, how does a D-dimer–based management strategy that minimises additional assessments compare with routine repeated ultrasonography?

For correspondence: Dr C Kearon, McMaster University and the Henderson Research Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Sources of funding: National Health Research Development Program of Health Canada; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada; Canadian Institutes of Health Research.