Spot the Sign- CVS Flashcards
What are mitral facies associated with?
Mitral stenosis
What causes mitral facies?
It results from slight arterial hypoxia due to fibrotic lung changes.
This develops due to a combination of chronic pulmonary congestion and low cardiac output.
What is the differential diagnosis for mitral faces?
Mitral stenosis
Acne rosacea
What do mitral facies look like on light skin?
Rosy pinkish-purple patches on cheeks
The rest of the face has a bluish tinge due to cyanosis
No clubbing
What do mitral facies look like on intermediate skin?
Rosy tinge, usually seen on cheeks
What do mitral facies look like on darker skin?
Rarely appreciated but disease is common in these patients!
In those who it is harder to see mitral facies, what other signs can you look out for?
Diastolic thrill, RV heave, 3rd heart sound
What is bruising?
Appear when blood vessels under the skin get damaged and blood leaks into skin tissue causing discolouration.
What is the most common cause of bruising?
Trauma to the skin
Name some medications which can cause bruising.
Steroids, warfarin, NSAIDs
Describe bruises in light skin
May initially appear red to purple.
Over time, it can turn blue, then brown, green, or yellow.
A bump under the skin may accompany bruise
Describe bruises in intermediate skin
Similar appearance to light skin but there tends to be more red and yellow in the bruises
Describe bruises in darker skin/
-Very dark skin may make the visual signs of a bruise less obvious but other signs will still be there (tenderness, swelling)
-Initial impact may not cause a noticeable reddening in the skin.
-Instead, the skin may appear dark brown or black as the bruise forms.
a bump may also accompany the bruise.
What is erythema?
-Redness of the skin or mucous membranes
What can cause erythema?
Hyperaemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries
