Pulmonary Vascular Disease Flashcards
What is the pathogenesis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins, often in the legs, due to factors such as stasis of blood flow (immobility), endothelial injury (damage to the blood vessel walls), and hypercoagulability (increased tendency to form clots). These factors are known as Virchow’s triad.
How does a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) develop?
A PE develops when a blood clot (often originating from a DVT) travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow to the lungs. This can cause severe respiratory distress and can be life-threatening.
What is Pulmonary Infarction?
Pulmonary infarction occurs when a pulmonary embolism causes a blockage in the pulmonary artery, leading to the death (infarction) of lung tissue due to a lack of oxygenated blood. It can cause chest pain, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and difficulty breathing.
Define pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can lead to right heart failure and other complications. It occurs due to increased resistance in the pulmonary vasculature.
What are the major causes of pulmonary hypertension?
Major causes include left-sided heart disease (e.g., left heart failure), chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD), pulmonary embolism, sleep apnea, and certain congenital or acquired heart defects.
What diagnostic procedures are used to investigate pulmonary vascular disease?
Diagnostic procedures include:
D-dimer test (indicates clot presence)
CT pulmonary angiography (visualizes PE)
Echocardiogram (assesses heart function and pulmonary pressures)
V/Q scan (used for detecting PE)
Pulmonary function tests (assess lung function)
Right heart catheterization (measures pulmonary artery pressure)
What are the principles of managing pulmonary vascular diseases?
Management involves:
Anticoagulation (for DVT/PE) to prevent clot formation.
Thrombolytic therapy (for severe PE) to dissolve clots.
Oxygen therapy for hypoxia.
Vasodilators (for pulmonary hypertension) to lower pulmonary artery pressure.
Surgical intervention (e.g., thrombectomy) for severe cases.
Lifestyle changes (e.g., weight management, smoking cessation) and addressing underlying causes like heart or lung diseases.
Whats the difference between a PE and DVT?
DVT is the clot forming in the veins, while PE is when that clot travels to the lungs and causes a blockage there. The two are connected, as a DVT can lead to a PE if the clot breaks loose.
