Deep Vein Thrombosis Flashcards
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
It is defined as a condition in which there is formation of a blood clot in the venous circulation
In which region of the body, does deep vein thrombosis tend to develop?
Deep veins of the lower limb
What twelve risk factors are associated with deep vein thrombosis?
Older Age
Family History
Obesity
Pregnancy
Immobility
Hospitalisation
Malignancy
Thrombophilia
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Polycythaemia
Drug Administration
Central Venous Catheter
Which six drugs are associated with deep vein thrombosis?
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Tamoxifen
Raloxifene
Antipsychotics
Anaesthesia
What are the four clinical features of deep vein thrombosis?
Calf Tenderness
Calf Swelling > 3cm
Dilated Superficial Veins
Lower Limb Pitting Oedema
How do we measure calf swelling, in suspected cases of deep vein thrombosis?
We measure the circumference of the calf 10cm below the tibial tuberosity and compare this measurement with the asymptomatic calf
What three investigations are used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis?
Wells Score
D-Dimer Blood Test
Proximal Leg Vein Ultrasound Scans
How is the ‘Wells Score’ used to investigate pulmonary embolism?
It is used to predict the risk of deep vein thrombosis in suspected cases
What are the ten criteria of the ‘Wells Score’?
Active Cancer = Ongoing Treatment, < 6 Months, Palliative (1 Point)
Paralysis, Paresis, Plaster Immobilisation Of Lower Extremities (1 Point)
Bedrest > 3 Days, Major Surgery Within 12 Weeks Requiring General/Regional Anaesthesia (1 Point)
Localised Tenderness Of Deep Venous System (1 Point)
Entire Swollen Leg (1 Point)
Calf Swelling > 3cm Compared To Asymptomatic Side (1 Point)
Pitting Oedema Confined To Symptomatic Leg (1 Point)
Collateral Superficial Veins, Non-Varicose (1 Point)
Previously Document Deep Vein Thrombosis (1 Point)
An Alternative Diagnosis Is At Least As Likely As Deep Vein Thrombosis (-2 Points)
What does a ‘Wells Score’ > 2 indicate?
It indicates that a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis is likely
What should be conducted following a ‘Wells Score’ > 2?
A proximal leg vein ultrasound scan should be conducted within 4 hours
What should be conducted when the proximal leg vein ultrasound scan is positive for deep vein thrombosis - Wells Score > 2?
A deep vein thrombosis diagnosis is obtained and anticoagulant treatment should be commenced
What should be conducted when the proximal leg vein ultrasound scan is negative for deep vein thrombosis - Wells Score > 2?
D-Dimer blood tests should be conducted
When these blood tests are negative, an alternative diagnosis should be considered
What should be conducted when the proximal leg vein ultrasound scan cannot be conducted within 4 hours - Wells score > 2?
The D-Dimer blood test should be conducted and interim therapeutic direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) should be administered, whilst waiting
This ultrasound scan should be performed within 24 hours
What should be conducted when the proximal leg vein ultrasound scan is negative and then the D-Dimer blood tests are positive- Wells score > 2?
It is recommended that the interim therapeutic anticoagulation is stopped, and a repeat ultrasound scan is conducted 6 – 8 days later
What does a ‘Wells Score’ < 1 indicate?
It indicates that a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis is unlikely
What should be conducted when a ‘Wells Score’ < 1?
The D-Dimer blood test can be conducted within 4 hours
What should be conducted when the D-Dimer blood test results are negative - Wells Score < 1?
An alternative diagnosis should be considered
What should be conducted when the D-Dimer blood test results are positive - Wells Score < 1?
A proximal leg vein ultrasound scan should be conducted within 4 hours
What should be conducted when the proximal leg vein ultrasound scan cannot be conducted within 4 hours - Wells Score < 1?
An interim therapeutic anticoagulation should be administered whilst waiting
This ultrasound scan should be performed within 24 hours
When are D-Dimer blood tests used to investigate deep vein thrombosis?
They are used to exclude a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis when there is low clinical suspicion
However, due to the fact that it can be elevated in other conditions, it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis
What D-Dimer blood test result indicates deep vein thrombosis?
> 0.5 ug/mL