Deep Vein Thrombosis

Cardiovascular · ~11% of blueprint

Pathophysiology: Virchow triad (stasis, hypercoagulability, endothelial injury) → venous thrombus, usually proximal lower extremity, with risk of PE.
Signs & Symptoms: Unilateral leg swelling, pain, warmth, erythema; calf tenderness. Often subtle or asymptomatic.
Gold Standard Diagnosis: Compression ultrasound. Use Wells score + D-dimer to risk-stratify (negative D-dimer excludes DVT in low-probability patients).
First-line Treatment: Anticoagulation: DOAC (apixaban/rivaroxaban) first-line, ≥3 months. IVC filter if anticoagulation is contraindicated.

High-Yield Pearl

Low Wells + negative D-dimer effectively rules out DVT (no ultrasound needed). Provoked vs. unprovoked guides treatment duration.

More Cardiovascular conditions