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Vascular Disease

Renal artery stenosis: A correctable cause of resistant hypertension

Stephenie Dupler, BS, Paul M. Zack, MD; Abdulfatah Osman, MD March 12, 2012

A patient whose blood pressure had previously been well-controlled on a beta-blocker  and an ACE inhibitor experiences rising BP levels and dyspnea on exertion.

Individualizing revascularization  for peripheral arterial disease

Heather Yang, MHS, PA-C, Anvar Babaev, MD, PhD, FACC March 05, 2012

Severely occluded arteries in patients at high risk of contrast-induced nephropathy require treatment with newer, catheter-based techniques.

Intermittent, longstanding bilateral mastalgia in a 35-year-old woman

Cynthia Bunde, MPAS, PA-C, Bernadette Howlett, PhD, Nicholas Ogami; Rebecca Hall January 25, 2012

This patient's breast pain was severe when she was in cold environments but resolved in warm environments.

Sudden onset of confusion and visual disturbances

Dakshinamurty Gullapalli, MD, Taral R. Sharma, MD, MBA, Urvi R. Shah, MD November 22, 2011

An advanced MRI technique clinches the diagnosis after it detects cerebral lesions not seen on conventional MRI.

Acute cholecystitis and ischemic colitis

Dawn Colomb-Lippa, MHS, PA-C, Peter Sandor, MHS, PA-C, RRT November 09, 2011

This month's review focuses on inflammation and its effect in two locations—the gallbladder and the colon.

Venous thromboembolism in cancer: What is the optimal treatment?

Jana Posner, PA-C, Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD August 04, 2011

Strong evidence favors use of low molecular weight heparin to treat and prevent VTE in patients with cancer, but many clinicians have yet to modify their clinical practice.

Mesenteric ischemia: Rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential

Justin Anzalone, PA, Frank A. Acevedo, PA-C, MS, DFAAPA July 07, 2011

Immediate attention is required if the patient is to have a chance of survival. Critical care, surgical, and vascular consultations should be obtained early in the disease process.

Polycythemia rubra vera: An unlikely cause of severe pulmonary embolism

Rami N. Khouzam, MD, FACC, FACP, FASNC, Mary Jane Gallahan, PA-C, PhD? May 30, 2011

An elderly woman presented with mild pain in her leg and shortness of breath. The results of CT and laboratory testing led to the diagnosis of a rare myeloproliferative disorder.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension:  An early diagnosis makes a difference

Eve M. Traill, MS, PA-C May 02, 2011

With knowledge of what to look for and a systematic evaluation, PAs can make this challenging diagnosis in the primary care setting.

Carpal tunel syndrome and pulmonary embolus

Dawn Colomb-Lippa, MHS, PA-C, Steve Wilson, PA-C, DFAAPA, FAPACVS January 20, 2011

Clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and pulmonary embolus are discussed.

Indications and strategy for surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms

Debra Kleinschmidt, PhD, PA; Konstadinos Plestis, MD; Panagiotis Housits, MD February 02, 2010

Rupture of an aortic aneurysm is most often fatal, but a systematic approach to surgical repair can achieve a good outcome.

A review of giant cell arteritis and chronic renal disease

Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C January 29, 2010

Clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment for an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels in the head and kidney disease are discussed.

Lipid disorders

Leslie Kole, PA-C November 11, 2009

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary artery and heart diseases. This article reviews screening and the most effective approach to disease management in these patients.

Endovascular embolization with a vascular plug corrects a PAVM

Stephen Hu, MD; Christopher Davis, PA-C, MPAS October 19, 2009

A pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, discovered as an incidental finding on a chest CT, is corrected with a vascular plug.

Artist's rendition of hemangioma was not realistic

August 13, 2009

Infantile hemangioma: How to treat this benign neoplasm of childhood

Pruritic rash on the legs of a sports enthusiast

Arnold E. Metz Jr, MA, PA-C August 12, 2009

What caused the gradually worsening rash that appeared on this man's legs 6 hours after he completed a round of golf in the South Carolina sunshine?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: Matching patients with approaches

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C; Jessica Linzmeyer July 20, 2009

Knowing who needs open repair versus endografting is crucial in this condition with a mortality rate as high as 80%.

Unusual vascular structures in the chest cavity

Julie Vajnar, PA-C, RT June 18, 2009

Shortness of breath and occasional chest pain signal a vascular anomaly in a middle-aged woman.

Infantile hemangioma: How to treat this benign neoplasm of childhood

Kerry A. Schlosser, MPAS, PA-C May 05, 2009

Recognition of the lesion and reassurance to the parents are the keys to effective management of IH.

Coil or clip? Current trends in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Robert F. Brach, PA-C February 19, 2009

Timely diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life for patients who survive this cerebrovascular event.

Another view of the differential for this case

Lyle W. Larson PA-C, PhD January 29, 2009

Case of the Month: Hypersensitive carotid sinus syndrome

A middle aged woman with shortness of breath

Kate August, PA-C, MMSc January 01, 2009

A 54-year-old woman presented to the emergency department complaining of shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea. She stated that for the past 4 days, she had noticed progressive shortness of breath, especially on exertion.

Can you recognize a patient at risk for a hypercoagulable state?

Allan Platt, PA-C, MMSc December 01, 2008

A disrupted clotting system can lead to life-threatening thrombosis. PAs can use a simple mnemonic to remember the differential diagnosis for hypercoagulable states.

Falling unconscious at home

Bradley W. Orville, PA-C, PhD November 01, 2008

The patient is a spry, 79-year-old retired dentist who presented to the emergency department (ED) via emergency medical services (EMS) with an unwitnessed episode of passing out at home.

Can B vitamin therapy help to prevent future vascular events?

Zachary Hartsell, MPAS, PA-C, Adriane I. Budavari, MD May 01, 2007

A 70-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and MI (in 2000) is admitted to the hospital after experiencing difficulty speaking and right hemiparesis upon awakening.