Venous Disorders and Pulmonary Embolism Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary based flashcards covering the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and medical management of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism as described in the lecture notes.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

A condition that collectively includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

D-dimer assay

A blood test used to find evidence of blood clots, often markedly elevated in patients with severe illness related to COVID-19.

Virchow triad

Three factors that play a significant role in the development of venous thrombosis: endothelial damage, venous stasis, and altered coagulation.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of the vein walls that frequently accompanies the formation of a thrombus.

Phlebothrombosis

The development of a thrombus as a result of stasis or hypercoagulability but without inflammation.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome

Also known as effort thrombosis, this upper extremity condition is caused by repetitive motion that irritates the vessel wall, leading to inflammation and thrombosis.

Recanalization

The process of reestablishing the lumen of a vein after an acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Post-thrombotic syndrome

A complication of venous thrombosis that results in skin changes and edema of the extremity, often predicted by a lack of recanalization within the first $6$ months.

Thrombectomy

A mechanical method of clot removal involving the use of intraluminal catheters with a balloon or other devices to break down or remove the thrombus.

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

The obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by a thrombus (or thrombi) originating in the venous system or the right side of the heart.

Pulmonary infarction

Ischemic necrosis of part of the lung caused by a pulmonary embolism.

Alveolar dead space

An area of the lung that continues to be ventilated but has reduced or absent blood flow due to an obstructing thrombus, impairing gas exchange.

Tachypnea

A rapid respiratory rate, which is the most frequent sign of a pulmonary embolism.

MDCTA (Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography Angiography)

The standard diagnostic test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, providing high-quality visualization of the lung parenchyma.

V/Q scan

A diagnostic test that uses IV contrast to compare ventilation ($V$) and perfusion ($Q$) in different regions of the lung.

Thrombolytic therapy

The use of agents such as t-PA or reteplase to quickly lyse thrombi or emboli and restore hemodynamic functioning of the pulmonary circulation.

IVC filter

An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter, such as a Greenfield filter, used to trap large emboli traveling from the pelvis or lower extremities to the lung.

DOACs (Direct Oral Anticoagulants)

A class of long-term treatment medications, such as dabigatran or rivaroxaban, that do not require regular blood test monitoring but are costlier than warfarin.