DVT vs Poor Circulation
Compare the following two (2) scenarios.
Scenario 1: Mr. Fernandez is a 62-year-old man who comes into the clinic complaining of left lower leg swelling that started 5 days ago. He says the leg hurts but mainly when he walks and does not get better after rest. He denies any trauma or fever. He returned from an international trip 2 days before the swelling started. He is healthy except for hypertension, which is well controlled with a daily thiazide diuretic.
Scenario 2: Mr. Kraft is a 65-year-old man who comes in complaining of lower leg pain that he has had for the past 3 months. He says both his legs cramp up in his calves when walking. He sits down to rest and the cramps go away. He denies any trauma or fever. He has smoked 1 pack of cigarettes a day for the past 35 years. He has type 2 diabetes for which takes metformin twice a day.
Answer the following questions based on these two (2) scenarios:
- In which scenario are the history and findings consistent with a venous disorder and which is consistent with an arterial disorder?
- What are the most likely venous and arterial disorder diagnoses?
- Describe the pathogenesis of these venous and arterial disorders.
- What would be expected physical examination findings with a venous disorder and which with an arterial disorder?
- Which diagnostic tests and treatment are indicated for a venous disorder?
- Which diagnostic tests and treatment are indicated for an arterial disorder?
