Thrombotic Disorders Flashcards
What is venous thromboembolism?
Venous thromboembolism is the process of blood clot formation in the veins.
What is the difference between provoked and unprovoked VTE?
Provoked VTE is associated with a clear precipitating cause from history or tests, while unprovoked VTE has no clear cause.
What is thrombophilia?
Thrombophilia refers to a condition where the blood in the body clots more easily than normal.
What are the causes of circulatory stasis, a component of Virchow’s triad?
Causes of circulatory stasis include bed rest, lower limb orthopedic surgery, major abdominal surgery, pregnancy, and long haul flights/long car journeys.
What are the causes of hypercoagulable states?
Causes of hypercoagulable states include smoking, oestrogens (oral contraceptives, HRT), active cancer, and inherited and acquired thrombophilias.
What are the causes of vascular injury, another component of Virchow’s triad?
Causes of vascular injury include limb trauma (including surgery), foreign bodies (e.g., IV cannulae, pacemaker wires), sepsis (bacteria, toxins), and previous DVT (deep vein thrombosis). May-Thurner Syndrome is also a cause of vascular injury.
What is the most common inherited thrombophilia?
The most common inherited thrombophilia is Factor V Leiden, which is caused by a mutation of the Factor V gene.
What is the second most common inherited thrombophilia?
The second most common inherited thrombophilia is prothrombin thrombophilia, caused by a Factor II gene mutation.
What are some other forms of inherited thrombophilias?
Other inherited forms of thrombophilia include protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, hereditary anti-thrombin deficiency, and congenital dysfibrinogenemia.
When should testing for inherited thrombophilias be considered?
Testing for hereditary thrombophilia should be considered in individuals who have had unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) and have a first-degree relative who also had DVT or PE, especially if there is a plan to stop anticoagulation treatment.
Should thrombophilia testing be routinely offered to first-degree relatives of people with a history of DVT or PE and thrombophilia?
No, routine thrombophilia testing should not be offered to first-degree relatives of people with a history of DVT or PE and thrombophilia.
Should testing for hereditary thrombophilia be offered to people who are already on anticoagulation treatment?
No, testing for hereditary thrombophilia should not be offered to people who are already on anticoagulation treatment.
Should thrombophilia testing be offered to people who have had provoked DVT or PE?
No, thrombophilia testing should not be offered to people who have had provoked DVT or PE.
What is the most common acquired thrombophilia?
The most common acquired thrombophilia is antiphospholipid syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies attack phospholipids.
What is the gender distribution of antiphospholipid syndrome?
Antiphospholipid syndrome is more commonly seen in females, with approximately 70% of cases occurring in women.
What is the association between antiphospholipid syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
Approximately 10-15% of people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus have antiphospholipid syndrome.
What are the increased risks of pregnancy complications in individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome?
Individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome have an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and pre-eclampsia.
What is the second most common acquired thrombophilia?
The second most common acquired thrombophilia is acquired dysfibrinogenemia, which can be caused by conditions such as severe liver disease, autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), plasma cell dyscrasias (e.g., myeloma), and certain cancers (e.g., cervical cancer).
What is the common clinical presentation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Clinically, DVT may present with unilateral calf swelling, heat, pain, redness, and hardness. However, it is important to note that there can be no signs or symptoms in some cases.
What is the most common site of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
The most common site of DVT is in the calf, particularly in the popliteal and tibial veins. DVT can also occur in the thigh, involving the femoral and iliac veins.
What are some differential diagnoses for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Some differential diagnoses for DVT include Baker’s cyst, cellulitis, and muscular pain.
What are the risk factors associated with DVT?
Risk factors for DVT include a history of previous DVT, immobility, surgery, pregnancy, cancer, obesity, and certain medical conditions such as thrombophilias.
What is the D-dimer test used for in the investigation of DVT?
The D-dimer test is useful to rule out DVT if the clinical probability is low. It measures the level of D-dimer, a breakdown product of fibrin, which is elevated in venous thromboembolism.
What is the investigation of choice for DVT?
Doppler ultrasound is the investigation of choice for DVT. It provides real-time 2D images and uses color Doppler (Duplex) to show the direction and velocity of blood flow. Thrombosed veins appear non-compressible on ultrasound.
When is contrast venography rarely required in the investigation of DVT?
Contrast venography is rarely required but can be useful in extensive disease or when looking for anatomical malformations.
What is the significance of D-dimer in DVT diagnosis?
D-dimer is a breakdown product from fibrin, the fibrous mesh component of blood clots. It is only present when the coagulation system has been activated. An elevated D-dimer level is seen in venous thromboembolism. A negative D-dimer test can be used to rule out DVT or PE if the clinical probability is low. However, a positive D-dimer test is not diagnostic on its own.
Are there any limitations of the D-dimer test?
Yes, the D-dimer test is very sensitive but not very specific. Occasionally, it can be negative in cases of large or extensive DVTs or PEs. Therefore, it should not be used if there is a high clinical probability of DVT or PE.
What is the treatment approach for DVT limited to the calf?
For DVT limited to the calf, symptomatic treatment is provided. Repeat ultrasound is done in 7 days to ensure no progression of the clot.
How is ilio-femoral DVT treated?
Ilio-femoral DVT is treated with anticoagulation using Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) such as Rivaroxaban or Dabigatran. The duration of anticoagulation is 3-6 months for the first event and lifelong for the second event. Warfarin may be used in cases of renal dysfunction.