MSK: Deep Venous Thrombosis: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️FREE MSRA PODCAST –Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common and potentiallylife-threatening clotting disorder –perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios. 🧠Key Learning Points📌Definition• Deep venousthrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, most often inthe legs, which can lead to serious complications if the clot dislodges.📌Causes & RiskFactors• Prolongedimmobility (long flights, hospitalisation, surgery)• Obesity• Pregnancy (around1 in 1,000 live births)• Increasing age• Hormonal factors(HRT, oral contraceptives)• Inheritedthrombophilia (e.g., Factor V Leiden)• Cancer• Previous VTE (DVTor PE)• Major trauma• Smoking• Heart failure,varicose veins, antiphospholipid syndrome• DehydrationMnemonic: Remember Virchow’s Triad:– Hypercoagulability– Venous stasis– Endothelial injury📌Pathophysiology• An imbalancebetween clot formation and breakdown leads to a thrombus in a deep vein• Clot may blockvenous return, causing swelling and pain• Risk ofembolisation to lungs (PE) is the main danger📌Symptoms• Pain, swelling(usually unilateral), warmth, redness in the affected leg• Tenderness alongthe deep veins• Pitting oedema• Distendedsuperficial veins• Sometimesasymptomatic (up to 65%)Mnemonic: PAWS:Pain, Asymmetry, Warmth, Swelling📌DifferentialDiagnosis• Cellulitis• Muscle strain/tear• Superficialthrombophlebitis• Compartmentsyndrome• Arterial ischaemia• Heart failure,liver or kidney disease (causing oedema)• Ruptured Baker’scyst• Septic arthritis📌Diagnosis• Clinicalassessment + Wells score for risk stratification• D-dimer blood test(good for ruling out DVT in low-risk patients)• CompressionDoppler ultrasound (first-line imaging)• Furtherinvestigations if unprovoked (cancer/thrombophilia screen)Tip: “Ultrasoundfirst if high suspicion, D-dimer to rule out in low risk”📌Management• Immediate anticoagulation (LMWH, fondaparinux,or DOACs like apixaban/rivaroxaban)• Assess bleedingrisk (e.g. HAS-BLED) before starting treatment• Switch tolong-term oral anticoagulant (DOAC or warfarin with INR monitoring)• Duration:typically 3 months (longer if unprovoked or persistent risk factors)• Consider IVCfilter if anticoagulation contraindicated• Early mobilisationand address reversible risk factors• NICE: Promptprophylaxis in at-risk hospitalised adults; same-day assessment where possible📌Complications• Pulmonary embolism(PE) – potentially fatal• Post-thromboticsyndrome (chronic pain, swelling, skin changes, ulcers)• Recurrent DVT• Chronic venousinsufficiency📌Prognosis• Recurrence risk ishigh without treatment; appropriate anticoagulation dramatically reduces risk• Long-termcomplications possible (e.g., PTS); mortality increases if PE develops• Outcome depends onprompt diagnosis and effective management 📎More MSRA Resourcesfor Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deep-venous-thrombosis-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deep-venous-thrombosis-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deep-venous-thrombosis-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deep-venous-thrombosis-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/deep-venous-thrombosis/ #MSRA #MSRARevision#MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes#MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision#MSRARevisionWebsite #DeepVenousThrombosis