Pulmonary Embolism

Question 1

What is Virchov’s Triad

Answer 1

Impaired Flow, endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulability

Question 2

What are some causes of endothelial dysfunction in venous circulation

Answer 2

Trauma from surgery or cannula

Question 3

What are some causes impaired flow in venous circulation

Answer 3

Decreased mobility, increased viscosity of blood, dehydration and cardiac failure

Question 4

What are some causes of hyper-coagulabilty in the venous circulation

Answer 4

Increased or decreased secretion of pro/anti clottinig factors, Increased Estogen (OCP), adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, Auto-immune dieases with ciirculatng complexes (SLE), Polythrombophilia, post-MI, nephrotic syndrome, obesity, inflammatory states and smoking

Question 5

What are some of the genetic causes of thrombophillia

Answer 5

Leiden V mutation (reduced APc binding) and ProThrombin G20210A

Question 6

What are some common signs of PE

Answer 6

Dyspnoea, heamoptsyis, cough, pain and syncope

Question 7

What are some common sequelae of PE

Answer 7

Acute hypertension, V/Q mismatch, reduced gas-exchange, infarction, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale

Question 8

What are other sights of venous emboli formation

Answer 8

Upper limb, portal, hepatic, mesenteric and cerebral sinuses

Question 9

Complications of DVT

Answer 9

Oedema, pigment, varicose veins, ulcers and scaling