Basics of DVT and Venous Ultrasound

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to venous ultrasound, DVT, and associated terminologies.

Echogenicity

The ability to reflect ultrasound.

Hyperechoic structures

Structures that appear bright on an ultrasound.

Hypoechoic

Refers to weak echoes.

Hypercoagulability

Increased clotting tendency.

Pitting edema

Indicates fluid buildup.

Stasis

No movement of blood.

Thrombophlebitis

Vein inflammation with clot.

Vein coaptation

Collapse of vein walls.

POCUS

Point of care ultrasound.

Erythema

Redness of the skin.

Virchow’s triad

Includes stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury.

DVT

Deep vein thrombosis, often caused by immobility.

Calf pain in DVT

Typically posterior.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens

Causes severe swelling and cyanosis.

Pulmonary embolism

Can cause shortness of breath.

DVT symptoms

Often unreliable.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Shows palpable cord.

Bed rest increases DVT risk after how many days?

More than 2 days.

Cancer increases DVT risk due to

Hypercoagulability.

Deep veins carry approx

85% of blood.

Superficial veins carry

15% of blood.

CFV formation

Formed by FV and DFV.

GSV drains into

CFV.

SSV typically drains into

Popliteal vein.

Popliteal vein becomes

CFV.

Deep veins location

Near arteries.

Perforator veins connect

Deep to superficial veins.

Posterior tibial veins

Typically paired.

Peroneal veins location

Near fibula.

Hydrostatic pressure increases with

Height.

Venous pressure when standing

80 mmHg.

Venous pressure when supine

10 mmHg.

Inspiration causes

Decreased flow.

Expiration causes

Increased flow.

Calf pump reduces pressure by

50%.

Venous flow is normally

Phasic.

To-and-fro flow indicates

CHF.

Best DVT test

Compression ultrasound.

Normal vein behavior

Should stay open.

Lack of compressibility suggests

DVT.

Primary Doppler sign of normalcy

Phasicity.

Continuous flow suggests

Proximal obstruction.

Augmentation is useful for

Calf veins.

Do NOT augment when

DVT present.

Color Doppler best for

Flow visualization.

Acute thrombus is

Soft.

Chronic thrombus appears

Hyperechoic.

Chronic vein size is

Enlarged.

Recanalization means

New flow channels.

Free-floating thrombus risk

Pulmonary embolism.

Iliac compression syndrome is

May-Thurner syndrome.

Left CIV compression caused by

Left artery.

Baker’s cyst location

In the popliteal fossa.

Lymphedema shows

'Ant farm' pattern.

Cellulitis causes

Red, warm skin.

First step in venous exam

Compression.

Most important DVT sign

Non-compressibility.