Background and aims No early serum marker contributes to the diagnosis of lupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV). The aim of this study was to investigate clinical significance of serum d-dimer level as an early diagnosis marker of LMV patients.

Methods The 57 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients were retrospectively analysed and classified into LMV group (n=19) and Non-LMV group (n=38) between May 2010 and January 2016. The serum d-dimer level was measured on the first day after SLE patients presented acute abdomen as well as imaging, other laboratory-testing parameters, and SLEDAI during the same period. The maximum and mean d-dimer values were analysed and compared with other potential markers for diagnosis of LMV. The correlation of d-dimer level with other potential severity markers and inflammation parameters were also studied.

Results Both maximum and mean d-dimer level on the first day of presentation of acute abdomen were significantly higher in LMV patients. The d-dimer level was correlated well with l-lactate and SLEDAI. In addition, d-dimer level was detected poor correlation with white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level.

Conclusions d-dimer level could be an effective and early serum diagnosis marker of LMV.