Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Flashcards
What are the 2 main examples of venous thromboembolism?
Limb deep vein thrombosis
Pulmonary embolism
What are the 2 main constituents of a venous
thrombus?
Fibrin
Red blood cells
What is the main 2 causes of a venous thrombus?
Stasis
Hypercoagulability
What does a venous rhombus result in?
Back pressure
What are the 2 main constituents of an arterial
thrombus?
Platelets
Fibrin
What is the main causes of an arterial thrombus?
Atherosclerosis
What does 2 conditions can an arterial thrombus result in?
Ischaemia
Infarction
What are 4 symptoms/signs of DVT?
Unilateral limb swelling
Limb discomfort
Warmth of limb
Redness of limb (erythema)
What are 5 symptoms/signs of pulmonary embolism?
Pleuritic chest pain Dyspnoea Haemoptysis Tachycardia Pulmonary rub on auscultation
What are 4 additional symptoms/signs that could be found if the patient had a massive pulmonary embolism?
Collapse
Cyanosis
Low BP
Raised JVP
What is a long term-consequence of DVT?
Post-phlebitic syndrome
What is a long term-consequence of pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary hypertension
What are 4 risks for venous thrombosis?
Tissue trauma
Obesity
Smoking
Pregnancy
What 2 investigations should be performed to diagnose DVT?
D-dimer blood test
Compression ultrasound
What 3 investigations should be performed to diagnose pulmonary embolism?
D-dimer blood test
Isotope ventilation/perfusion scan
CT pulmonary angiigram
What 3 measures are used to prevent venous thromboembolism in hospitals?
Early mobilisation
Anti-embolism stockings (compression stockings)
Daily injections of low molecular weight heparin
What are 3 treatments for venous thromboembolism?
Low molecular weight heparin (for at least 5 days)
Warfarin (for at least 3 months)
Thrombolysis (for massive pulmonary embolisms)
What type of drug is warfarin?
An anti-coagulant
What is the most common side effect of warfarin?
Intraocular haemorrhage (i.e. bleeding)
Give an example of 2 types of drug that increases warfarin activity?
Asprin
Heparin
Give an example of 2 types of drug that decrease warfarin activity?
Barbituates
Vitamin K
