Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Acute limb ischemia is a medical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. Rapid diagnosis is required because it is a time-sensitive condition. Timely treatment is necessary to restore blood flow to the extremity and prevent complications. ⋯ A suspicion of acute ischemia based on history and physical examination warrants heparin administration and vascular surgery consultation. The decision for endovascular thrombolysis or standard surgery depends on etiology, duration, and location of vascular occlusion. This review evaluates the diagnostic approach and management for acute limb ischemia.
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Mesenteric ischemia has 4 etiologies: arterial embolus, arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, and nonocclusive. No history or physical examination finding can definitively diagnose the condition. A wide variety of presentations occur. ⋯ Computed tomography angiography is the best imaging modality. Treatment requires surgery and interventional radiology consultation, intravenous antibiotics and fluids, and anticoagulation. The physician at the bedside is the best diagnostic tool.
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Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a frequently encountered condition that is often diagnosed and treated in the outpatient setting. Risk stratification is helpful and recommended in the evaluation of DVT. ⋯ The specific type and duration of anticoagulation depend upon the suspected etiology of the venous thromboembolism, as well as risks of bleeding and other patient comorbidities. Both specific details and a standardized approach to this vast treatment landscape are presented.