Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening during transthoracic echocardiography: Cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist interpretation.

Aim: To study the interobserver variability between a cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist in the screening of the abdominal aorta during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Methods: Consecutive patients, > 55 years of age, underwent abdominal aortic imaging following standard TTE. Two cardiologists and one vascular medicine specialist performed a blinded review of the images.

Contemporary management of peripheral arterial disease: II. Improving walking distance and quality of life.

Intermittent claudication (IC) is the classic complaint associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and can significantly limit a patient's lifestyle and workplace abilities. IC is defined as reproducible pain affecting the muscles of the lower extremities that begins and increases with activity and resolves with rest. The clinical goals of management include increasing walking distance and improving quality of life.

The treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis in the preoperative management of patients who have neurologic diseases.

All patients with neurologic diseases should receive perioperative VTE prophylaxis. The choice of mechanical, pharmacologic, or combined modalities of prophylaxis depends on both the underlying risk factors and surgical VTE risks. Prophylaxis and treatment options must be individualized to the patient.

A rational approach to diagnosis and treatment of intermittent claudication.

Intermittent claudication (IC), the first recognizable symptom of peripheral arterial disease, is prevalent among older persons and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of IC involves taking a thorough patient history, conducting a physical examination with an emphasis on the cardiovascular system, and noninvasive testing with functional assessment. The goals of treatment for IC are to prevent progression of vascular disease and cardiovascular complications and to improve exercise performance, functional status, and quality of life.