⭐️Deep Vein Thrombosis

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

A blood clot (thrombus) formation in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can dislodge and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Question 2

Clinical Features

Answer 2

Unilateral leg swelling (most common)
Pain or tenderness in the calf
Redness and warmth over the affected vein
Dilated superficial veins
Positive Homan’s sign (pain with dorsiflexion of the foot, but not always reliable)

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Common in hospitalized/immobile patients
Long haul flights - sitting for long periods of time
Higher incidence in post-surgical and cancer patients
Affects 1–2 per 1,000 people per year
Pulmonary embolism is a major complication

Question 4

Age Groups Affected

Answer 4

Most common in adults > 40 years
Can occur in younger individuals with risk factors (e.g., pregnancy, thrombophilia, long-haul flights)

Question 5

Risk Factors (Virchow’s Triad 🛑)

Answer 5

Risk Factors (Virchow’s Triad 🛑)
✅ Hypercoagulability:

Cancer 🦠
Pregnancy 🤰
Hormonal therapy (e.g., oral contraceptives) 💊
Genetic clotting disorders (Factor V Leiden, Protein C/S deficiency) 🧬
✅ Venous Stasis:

Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest) 🛏️
Obesity ⚖️
Paralysis ♿
✅ Endothelial Damage:

Surgery 🔪
Trauma 🚑
Smoking 🚬

Question 6

Clinical Presentation

Answer 6

🔹 Classic signs: Leg pain, swelling, redness, warmth
🔹 Severe cases: Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (massive DVT causing limb ischemia)
🔹 Complication: Pulmonary embolism (sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, hemoptysis)

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

🔹 Good with early treatment (anticoagulation)

🔹 Risk of recurrence if underlying cause persists

🔹 Major complications:
Pulmonary embolism (life-threatening)
Post-thrombotic syndrome (chronic leg swelling, pain, ulcers)

🔹 Prevention is key! (mobilization, compression stockings, anticoagulants in high-risk patients)