Haem: Deep Vein Thrombosis: Free MSRA Podcast

🎧 MSRA Podcast: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – Rapid Review Edition 🎧Why does a swollen, painful leg worry every clinician? Because it could be DVT—a classic MSRA topic and a major cause of preventable death. In this episode, we smash through the essentials you need for the exam and real life: causes, risk factors, how to spot it, investigate it, and treat it—plus classic pitfalls and memory aids.🔬 Definition:Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) = formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Can cause local symptoms or break off to cause a pulmonary embolism (PE)—potentially fatal.⚡ Causes (Virchow’s Triad):Venous stasis (immobility: long travel, bed rest, hospitalisation)Hypercoagulability (cancer, pregnancy, OCP/HRT, inherited thrombophilia)Endothelial injury (surgery, trauma, inflammation)🚩 Risk Factors:• Recent surgery/trauma• Immobility/long-haul travel• Cancer• Increasing age• Obesity• Pregnancy/postpartum• OCP/HRT• Previous DVT/PE• Inherited thrombophilia• Chronic diseases (e.g., IBD)🩺 Clinical Features:• Usually unilateral leg swelling, pain, redness, warmth• Pitting oedema• Calf tenderness• Sometimes asymptomatic!• Complication = PE (sudden chest pain, dyspnoea)🔎 Differentials:CellulitisSuperficial thrombophlebitisRuptured Baker’s cystMuscle tear/haematomaLymphoedema📊 Diagnosis (NICE Pathway):• Assess risk with 2-level DVT Wells Score• If likely: urgent compression ultrasound• If unlikely: D-dimer• D-dimer: Good to rule out DVT in low-risk, but not specific• Age-adjusted D-dimer for patients over 50• Further imaging if initial tests are inconclusive💊 Management:Anticoagulation (first-line = DOACs: apixaban, rivaroxaban)LMWH/warfarin if DOACs contraindicatedDuration: usually 3 months (provoked), 6 months (unprovoked/cancer)Leg elevation, compression stockings (select cases)Address modifiable risk factors🚨 Complications:Pulmonary embolism (PE): Life-threatening!Post-thrombotic syndrome: Chronic pain, swelling, ulcersRecurrence: Especially if unprovoked or persistent risk factors• 📖 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deep-vein-thrombosis-revision-notes/• 🃏 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deep-vein-thrombosis-flashcards/• ❓ Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deep-vein-thrombosis-accordion-qa-notes/• 🏆 Rapid Fire Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deep-vein-thrombosis-rapid-quiz/• 📝 Online Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/deep-vein-thrombosis/#MSRA #DVT #DeepVeinThrombosis #VTE #Haematology #MSRARevision #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQuiz #PassTheMSRAMSRA Exam Pearl:Always assess for PE risk in every patient with DVT—unexplained shortness of breath or chest pain could be a silent embolism!🗝️ Key Learning Points🔗 Deep Vein Thrombosis Resources for the MSRA