Cardiology π« Flashcards
What is the definition of loin pain?
A common symptom presenting as discomfort in the area between the lower ribs and buttocks on either side of the spine.
What structures are included in the loin region?
- Kidneys
- Adrenal glands
- Parts of the colon
- Musculoskeletal components
What are common causes of loin pain?
- Renal Colic
- Pyelonephritis
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Radiculopathy
- Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
What is renal colic?
Typically caused by kidney stones obstructing the urinary tract.
What are the symptoms of pyelonephritis?
Infection of the kidney presenting with fever and systemic symptoms alongside loin pain.
What is the initial management approach for loin pain?
- Detailed history
- Physical examination
- Blood tests and urinalysis
- Imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scan
- Pain management with analgesics
What is the mortality rate for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
Almost 80%.
What are the features of a ruptured AAA?
- Severe, central abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Pulsatile, expansile mass in the abdomen
- Shocked state (hypotension, tachycardia) or collapse
What is the management for a ruptured AAA?
Immediate vascular review with a view to emergency surgical repair.
What should be done if a patient is haemodynamically unstable with suspected AAA?
Diagnosis is clinical; these patients should be taken straight to theatre.
What are the two classifications of cardiac rhythms during resuscitation?
- βShockableβ rhythms: VF/pulseless VT
- βNon-shockableβ rhythms: asystole/PEA
What is the ratio of chest compressions to ventilation during CPR?
30:2.
In the case of VF/pulseless VT, what is the recommended treatment after the third shock?
Administer amiodarone 300 mg.
What are the reversible causes of cardiac arrest categorized as the βHsβ?
- Hypoxia
- Hypovolaemia
- Hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, acidaemia
- Hypothermia
What are the reversible causes of cardiac arrest categorized as the βTsβ?
- Thrombosis (coronary or pulmonary)
- Tension pneumothorax
- Tamponade - cardiac
- Toxins
What are the features of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?
- Chest pain
- Dyspnoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Palpitations
What is aortic dissection?
A tear in the tunica intima of the wall of the aorta.
What is the most important risk factor for aortic dissection?
Hypertension.
What are the features of aortic dissection?
- Severe and sharp chest/back pain
- Pain maximal at onset
- Pulse deficit
- Variation in systolic blood pressure between arms
What are the two classifications of aortic dissection?
- Stanford classification
- DeBakey classification
What does the Stanford classification categorize?
- Type A - ascending aorta
- Type B - descending aorta
What is the characteristic exam feature of myocardial infarction?
Heavy, central chest pain that may radiate to the neck and left arm.
What is the typical presentation of a perforated peptic ulcer?
Sudden onset of epigastric abdominal pain followed by generalised abdominal pain.
What is Boerhaaveβs syndrome?
Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus due to repeated episodes of vomiting.