DVT

Question 1

what is a DVT?

Answer 1

-venous thrombosis originates in the deep vein of the leg

Question 2

Calf/distal DVT?

Answer 2

DVT confined to the calf

Question 3

Proximal DVT?

Answer 3

DVT in popliteal vein/above

Question 4

what causes thrombosis to arise?

Answer 4

interplay between Virchow’s triad

• changes in blood flow
• vessel wall dysfunction
• changes in blood components, leading to hypercoagulability

Question 5

some examples of risk factors for DVT?

Answer 5

• increase in age
• obesity
• previous episodes of thromboembolism
• long travel
• surgery
• trauma
• pregnancy

Question 6

common complication

Answer 6

Pulmonary embolism

Question 7

investigations?

Answer 7

• Venous duplex ultrasound
• D dimer (however this isn’t specific for DVT)
• LFTs

Question 8

treatment?

Answer 8

antcoagulants (warfarin)

prevention methods (exercise and compression stockings)

Question 9

diagnostic test for claudication?

Answer 9

ABPI