MLA Vascular Flashcards
What should be offered to all patients with intermittent claudication (first line)?
Supervised exercise programme
Which drug is indicated for the symptomatic management of intermittent claudication, despite a supervised exercise programme?
Naftidrofuryl oxalate
Which drug is indicated for the management of severe chronic lower limb ischaemia in patients at risk of amputation (where surgery is unsuitable)?
Intravenous iloprost .
What test should be performed if the Wells score is 0-1 for DVT?
D-dimer within 4 hours
If the D-dimer is positive and the Wells score is 0-1, which further investigation is indicated for DVT?
USS Doppler (with interim anticoagulation)
If the Wells score is 2 or above, what is the next-most appropriate test for DVT?
USS Doppler within 4 hours
Which is the anticoagulation drug of choice for a DVT?
DOAC e.g., apixaban
How long should a DOAC be prescribed for a provoked DVT?
3 months
How long should a DOAC be prescribed for a unprovoked DVT?
6 months
What is associated with C2 in the context of venous insufficiency?
Varicose veins
Which clinical stage method is used for venous insufficiency?
CEAP clinical stages C0-C6
What are the two venous skin changes observed in venous insufficiency C4?
atrophie blanche, lipodermatosclerosis
What are the NICE criteria for referral of varicose veins?
- Symptomatic
- Skin changes of venous insufficiency
- Superficial vein thrombosis
- Ulceration
What is the investigation of choice for venous insufficiency?
USS duplex
What are three surgical interventions for varicose veins?
Radiofrequency laser ablation
Foam sclerotherapy - for telangiectasia
Ligation, stripping, avulsion
A bleeding varicosity indicates for what treatment?
Vascular admission (immediate)
What is the first line drug management for thrombophlebitis?
NSAIDs
What is the main risk factor for thrombophlebitis?
Varicose veins
What are the three presentation findings associated with thrombophlebitis?
Pain, itch and localised swelling
Firm/lump and tender cord on a varicosity
What are the three factors that cause diabetic foot syndrome?
Poor perfusion
Sensorimotor neuropathy - loss of protective sensation
Precipitant - e..g, microtrauma (pressure damage due to deformity or abnormal load)
What is the main risk associated with diabetic foot ulcers?
Risk of sepsis, osteomyelitis, necrosis (gangrene)
What is the investigation modality for a diabetic foot ulcer?
X-ray (first line)
Consider MRI to exclude osteomyelitis
What is the management for diabetic foot ulcer?
24 hour DFU MDT referral + mechanical offloading and surgical debridement
Which gangrene is associated with arterial occlusion (ischaemic-related changes)?
Dry gangrene (well demarcated)
Which type of gangrene is associated with venous occlusion?
Wet Gangrene - bacteria infect necrotic tissue
What is the common site of venous ulcers?
Gaiter region
What is the investigation of choice to diagnosis an arterial ulcer?
ABPI and angiography
Which rib is implicated in thoracic outlet syndrome?
1st/cervical rib
Which syndrome is associated with subclavian DVT due to thoracic outlet syndrome?
Pagett–Schroetter syndrome
What is the primary cause of lymphoedema?
Congenital lymphatic malformation
What are the secondary causes of lymphodema?
Radiotherapy/resection
Which classification system is used to assess for venous reflux?
CEAP Classification system
Which CEAP stage is associated with an active venous ulcer?
C6
Which CEAP stage is associated with varicose veins?
C2
What are the clinical features associated with persistent venous hypertension?
oedema, lipodermatosclerosis and ulceration
Where are venous ulcers typically found?
Gaiter area - medial lower half of the leg, superior to the medial malleolus
Which ulcer is characterised as irregular and shallow with slough?
Venous ulcer
What skin changes are associated with venous ulcers?
Haemosiderin staining
Lipodermatosclerosis
Venous eczema