5. DVT Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
2-5% lifetime probability
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
Adults, most common in >60s
Hospital inpatients
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Poor venous circulation caused by RFs results in venous pooling
Causes blood to clot forming a thrombus, blocking the deep vein
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
Obesity Smoking Having varicose veins Taking OCP / HRT Previous DVT Cancer / heart failure patients Temporary = pregnancy, dehydration, being confined to a bed, long journeys
5
Q
How does it present?
A
Throbbing / cramping in affected calf / thigh Swelling Warm Red / darkened skin Painful
6
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Measure circumference of leg 10cm below tibial tuberosity and compare legs - difference >3cm increases likelihood of DVT
Assess for oedema
Wells score
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
Chronic venous insufficiency Venous obstruction Superficial thrombophlebitis Cellulitis Acute limb ischaemia Fracture
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
D-dimer
Compression ultrasonography
CXR
9
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Apixaban / rivaroxaban
