Cardiovascular Pathology

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare and critical medical emergency resulting from a massive obstruction of the venous drainage system in an extremity, typically...

The image presented demonstrates a classic clinical sign known as pitting edema, a condition characterized by observable swelling in body tissues due to fluid accumulation. This visual guide highlights the standard diagnostic physical examination technique used by healthcare professionals to distinguish this specific type of fluid retention from other forms of swelling. By applying direct pressure to the affected limb, a clinician can assess the severity and nature of the edema based on the tissue's response.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious vascular condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, predominantly occurring in the lower extremities such as the calf or thigh. The clinical presentation of this condition is often visually distinct, manifesting as significant asymmetry between the limbs due to fluid retention and inflammation. The image provided illustrates a classic presentation of a right leg DVT, highlighting the contrast in size and skin tone compared to the unaffected left leg, serving as a critical example of why early visual recognition is vital for preventing severe complications.

This illustrated guide analyzes the anatomical differences between a healthy vein and one compromised by a thrombus, highlighting the critical role of venous valves in circulation. By examining the mechanics of blood flow obstruction, we explore the physiological causes and dangers of venous thromboembolism as depicted in the comparative diagram.

The human vascular system relies on a network of flexible, unobstructed tubes to transport oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, but this system can be compromised by the gradual progression of arterial disease. This article analyzes a comparative diagram of a normal artery versus a diseased artery, highlighting the structural changes caused by cholesterol accumulation and the acute danger of thrombus formation. Understanding these anatomical differences is essential for recognizing the risks associated with cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

This anatomical comparison diagram illustrates the physiological differences between a healthy vascular system and one compromised by Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). The image highlights the progressive narrowing of the arteries in the leg due to the accumulation of plaque, a process known as atherosclerosis, which significantly restricts blood flow and oxygen delivery to the lower extremities.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a progressive circulatory disorder characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the limbs, most commonly the legs and feet. When this condition reaches an advanced stage, known as critical limb ischemia, the complete cessation of blood flow results in tissue death. The image provided illustrates a severe manifestation of this disease, where peripheral arterial disease has led to necrosis (gangrene) of multiple toes, evidenced by the blackening and mummification of the tissue due to prolonged oxygen deprivation.

The image displayed illustrates a severe clinical presentation of a non-healing dorsal foot ulcer in a 71-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes and smoking. This visual evidence highlights the critical nature of circulatory compromise, where a wound measuring 2.5 cm by 2.4 cm has remained chronically open for nearly two years due to insufficient blood flow. Understanding the pathophysiology behind such wounds is crucial for recognizing the advanced stages of vascular disease and the importance of multidisciplinary care in limb preservation.

This comprehensive comparison illustrates the fundamental differences between the anatomy of a healthy human heart and one affected by Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA), a critical congenital defect. By distinguishing between the standard "series" circulation, where blood flows in a figure-eight pattern, and the pathological "parallel" circulation of d-TGA, we can better understand the severe physiological implications of this condition. The diagram highlights how the reversal of the great vessels prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the systemic body tissues, creating a medical emergency in newborns.

Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA) is a critical congenital heart defect in which the two main arteries leaving the heart—the aorta and the pulmonary artery—are reversed (transposed). This anatomical anomaly disrupts the normal blood flow circulation, creating two parallel circuits rather than the standard continuous loop, which prevents oxygenated blood from effectively reaching the body. This article provides a detailed anatomical analysis of the condition based on the provided diagram, explaining the abnormal connections and the compensatory mechanisms, such as septal defects, that are essential for survival in the neonatal period.