Vascular Surgery Practice Questions

Q: The Fontaine and Rutherford classification of peripheral arterial disease is based on which of the following?

Clinical presentation. **Explanation:** The **Fontaine** and **Rutherford** classifications are the two primary clinical grading systems used to assess the severity of **Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)**. Both systems are based entirely on **clinical presentation** (symptoms and physical findings) rather than anatomical imaging. 1. **Why Option A is correct:** These classifications categorize PAD based on the progression of symptoms—ranging from asymptomatic disease to intermittent claudication, rest pain, and finally, tissue loss (ulceration or gangrene). They allow clinicians to standardize the patient's functional status and guide management decisions (e.g., conservative vs. surgical) without needing an angiogram. 2. **Why Options B, C, and D are wrong:** While imaging (Duplex Ultrasound, CT Angiography, or DSA) is used to determine the *anatomical* site and severity of stenosis (e.g., TASC II classification), it is not a component of the Fontaine or Rutherford scales. A patient can have significant stenosis on imaging but remain in a low Fontaine stage if they are asymptomatic. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Fontaine Classification:** * Stage I: Asymptomatic * Stage II: Intermittent Claudication (IIa >200m; IIb <200m) * Stage III: Rest Pain * Stage IV: Ulceration/Gangrene * **Rutherford Classification:** Uses 7 categories (0–6) and 4 grades. It is more detailed than Fontaine and includes objective findings like treadmill exercise tests. * **Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI):** Defined as Fontaine Stage III/IV or Rutherford Category 4/5/6. * **TASC II Classification:** Unlike the clinical Fontaine/Rutherford scales, TASC II is based on **anatomical distribution** and length of the lesion to decide between endovascular vs. open surgery.

Q: Varicose veins of size less than what measurement can be best treated by sclerotherapy?

3 mm. **Explanation:** The management of varicose veins is determined primarily by the diameter of the vessel and the presence of axial reflux. **Sclerotherapy** is the treatment of choice for small-caliber veins, specifically those **less than 3 mm** in diameter. * **Why 3 mm is correct:** According to the classification of chronic venous disorders, veins are categorized by size. **Reticular veins** (1–3 mm) and **telangiectasias** (spider veins, <1 mm) respond best to sclerotherapy. When the vein diameter exceeds 3 mm, they are classified as "true" varicose veins, which often involve truncal reflux (Great or Short Saphenous Veins). In these larger vessels, sclerotherapy has a higher failure rate and a significant risk of recurrence compared to endovenous thermal ablation or surgery. * **Why other options are incorrect:** * **2 mm:** While sclerotherapy works well for 2 mm veins, the clinical threshold for transitioning from sclerotherapy to more invasive procedures is generally accepted as 3 mm. * **4 mm and 6 mm:** Veins of this size are typically truncal varicosities. Treating these with liquid or foam sclerotherapy alone (without addressing the saphenofemoral junction) leads to high rates of thrombophlebitis and recanalization. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** 1. **Sclerosants used:** Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS) is the most common. Others include Polidocanol and Hypertonic saline. 2. **Mechanism:** Sclerosants cause endothelial damage, leading to fibrosis and permanent occlusion of the vessel (obliterative sclerosis). 3. **Gold Standard for Diagnosis:** Duplex Ultrasound is the investigation of choice for all varicose veins. 4. **Treatment Hierarchy:** * 3 mm/Truncal Reflux: Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is now preferred over traditional stripping.

Q: What is the commonest complication of varicose vein stripping?

Ecchymosis. **Explanation:** Varicose vein stripping (Babcock’s procedure) involves the surgical removal of the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) using a stripper. **1. Why Ecchymosis is the Correct Answer:** Ecchymosis (bruising) is the **most common** complication following stripping. During the procedure, as the stripper is pulled through the subcutaneous tissue, small tributary veins are torn. This leads to localized extravasation of blood into the surrounding tissues along the stripping track. While it is benign and usually resolves within a few weeks, it occurs in nearly all patients to some degree. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Thromboembolism (DVT/PE):** While this is the most **serious** or dreaded complication, it is relatively rare (occurring in <1% of cases) due to early postoperative mobilization. * **Hemorrhage:** Significant intraoperative or postoperative bleeding is uncommon if proper pressure bandages are applied immediately after stripping. * **Infection:** Surgical site infection (SSI) occurs in approximately 2–5% of cases, making it less frequent than ecchymosis. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Commonest Nerve Injury:** The **Saphenous nerve** (at the ankle) is the most common nerve injured during GSV stripping, leading to numbness along the medial aspect of the leg/foot. * **Sural Nerve Injury:** Occurs during Small Saphenous Vein (SSV) surgery. * **Trendelenburg Procedure:** Refers to juxtafemoral ligation (high ligation) of the GSV at the saphenofemoral junction. * **Modern Gold Standard:** Endovenous Thermal Ablation (EVLA/RFA) has largely replaced stripping as it avoids ecchymosis and nerve injury.

Q: What is the most common age group affected in thoracic outlet obstruction syndrome?

25-45 years. **Explanation:** Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) refers to the compression of the neurovascular bundle (brachial plexus, subclavian artery, or subclavian vein) as it passes through the superior thoracic aperture [1]. **Why 25–45 years is correct:** The peak incidence of TOS occurs in the **third to fourth decades of life (25–45 years)**. This age predilection is due to several factors: 1. **Muscular Development:** This is the period of peak physical activity and occupational strain. Repetitive overhead activities or poor posture lead to hypertrophy or fibrosis of the scalene muscles. 2. **Anatomical Changes:** In women (who are affected 3–4 times more than men), the gradual drooping of the shoulder girdle that occurs in early adulthood increases the traction on the brachial plexus. 3. **Neurogenic Predominance:** Over 95% of cases are Neurogenic TOS, which typically manifests during the most productive working years [1]. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **10–25 years:** While congenital causes like a cervical rib are present from birth, they rarely cause symptoms until the body reaches full skeletal and muscular maturity. * **45–65 years & >65 years:** TOS is less common in the elderly. Symptoms in these age groups are more likely to be caused by cervical spondylosis or degenerative disc disease rather than outlet compression. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common type:** Neurogenic TOS (95%), involving the lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8-T1) [1]. * **Most common site of compression:** The **interscalene triangle** (between anterior and middle scalene) [1]. * **Adson’s Test:** A classic clinical sign where the radial pulse disappears when the patient deep breaths and turns the head toward the affected side. * **Cervical Rib:** The most famous anatomical predisposition, though most people with a cervical rib remain asymptomatic.

Q: What is the most common site of acute aortic dissection?

Right lateral wall of the ascending aorta. **Explanation:** **1. Why Option A is Correct:** The most common site for the initiation of an acute aortic dissection is the **ascending aorta**, specifically the **right lateral wall** (within 2–3 cm of the aortic valve). This is due to the unique hemodynamics of the proximal aorta: this area experiences the highest **shear stress** ($dP/dt$) from the forceful ejection of blood from the left ventricle. The right lateral wall bears the brunt of this repetitive mechanical trauma, leading to an intimal tear that allows blood to enter the media. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option B (Arch of the aorta):** While dissections can involve the arch, it is a less frequent site for the primary intimal tear compared to the ascending aorta. * **Option C & D (Abdominal Aorta):** Dissections rarely originate in the abdominal aorta. When they do, it is usually associated with localized pathology like an aneurysm or trauma. Most abdominal aortic involvements are extensions of a Stanford Type B dissection originating in the descending thoracic aorta (just distal to the left subclavian artery). **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Classification:** * **Stanford Type A:** Involves ascending aorta (Requires urgent surgery). * **Stanford Type B:** Distal to left subclavian artery (Managed medically unless complications arise). * **Risk Factors:** Hypertension is the #1 risk factor. Genetic conditions like Marfan Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos are high-yield associations. * **Clinical Sign:** "Tearing" chest pain radiating to the back with a **blood pressure discrepancy** between arms. * **Investigation of Choice:** **Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT)** is the gold standard for diagnosis in stable patients; Transesophageal Echo (TEE) is preferred for unstable patients.

Q: A 67-year-old hypertensive man presents with lower abdominal pain and back pain. An expansive abdominal mass is palpated lateral and superior to the umbilicus. What is the best investigation for this patient?

Ultrasound abdomen. ### Explanation **Diagnosis: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)** The clinical presentation of an elderly hypertensive male with lower abdominal/back pain and a **pulsatile, expansile abdominal mass** is classic for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). **1. Why Ultrasound Abdomen is the Correct Answer:** * **Screening and Initial Investigation:** Ultrasound (USG) is the **investigation of choice** for screening and the initial diagnosis of AAA. It is non-invasive, cost-effective, and has a sensitivity of nearly 100% for detecting the presence of an aneurysm. * **Utility:** It accurately measures the diameter of the aorta, which is the primary factor in determining the risk of rupture and the need for surgical intervention. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A. X-ray KUB:** While it may show a "curvilinear calcification" (eggshell calcification) in the aortic wall in some patients, it is neither sensitive nor specific enough for diagnosis. * **C. Coronary Angiography:** This is used to visualize coronary arteries. While AAA patients often have co-existing CAD, it plays no role in diagnosing the abdominal mass. * **D. Intravenous Pyelography (IVP):** This is used to visualize the urinary tract. While a large AAA might displace the ureters, it is not a diagnostic tool for vascular pathology. **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Gold Standard Investigation:** **CT Angiography (CTA)** is the gold standard for preoperative planning as it provides detailed anatomical mapping. * **Triad of Ruptured AAA:** Hypotension, back/abdominal pain, and a pulsatile mass. * **Surgical Threshold:** Surgery is generally indicated if the aneurysm is **>5.5 cm in men** (>5.0 cm in women) or expanding at a rate of **>0.5 cm in 6 months**. * **Location:** Most AAAs are **infrarenal** (below the origin of renal arteries).

Q: All are true about Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) EXCEPT:

The most important sign is color change of the limb. **Explanation:** Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a critical condition characterized by thrombus formation in the deep veins, primarily governed by **Virchow’s Triad** (stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability). **Why Option C is the correct (False) statement:** While color changes (like *Phlegmasia alba/cerulea dolens*) can occur in severe cases, the **most important and common clinical sign of DVT is calf tenderness and unilateral swelling/edema** (measured 10 cm below the tibial tuberosity). Color change is neither the most common nor the most reliable diagnostic sign; many patients remain asymptomatic or present only with swelling. **Analysis of other options:** * **Option A:** DVT is significantly **more common in the lower limbs** due to gravity-induced stasis and the length of the venous columns, particularly in the calf veins. * **Option B:** **Pulmonary Embolism (PE)** is the most dreaded acute complication of DVT, occurring when a clot dislodges and travels to the pulmonary vasculature. * **Option C:** **Aching pain** in the calf or thigh is the most frequent symptom reported by patients, often exacerbated by walking or dorsiflexion. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Gold Standard Investigation:** Contrast Venography (rarely used now). * **Investigation of Choice:** Duplex Ultrasound (Color Doppler). * **Homan’s Sign:** Pain in the calf on forceful dorsiflexion of the foot (low sensitivity/specificity). * **Moses Sign:** Pain on squeezing the calf muscles transversely. * **Wells Criteria:** Used clinically to predict the pre-test probability of DVT. * **Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens:** A surgical emergency involving "painful blue edema" indicating near-total venous occlusion.

Q: Which test is not performed for varicose veins?

Adson's test. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Adson’s test** because it is a clinical provocative test used to diagnose **Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)**, not varicose veins. It involves monitoring the radial pulse while the patient rotates their head toward the symptomatic side and extends the neck during deep inspiration. A disappearance or significant weakening of the pulse suggests compression of the subclavian artery by a cervical rib or scalene muscles. **Analysis of other options (Tests for Varicose Veins):** * **Trendelenburg Test:** Used to differentiate between **saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) incompetence** and perforator incompetence. It involves elevating the leg to empty veins, applying pressure at the SFJ, and observing the filling pattern upon standing. * **Perthes’ Test:** Used to assess the **patency of the deep venous system**. A tourniquet is applied to the thigh, and the patient is asked to walk. If the superficial varicosities collapse, the deep veins are patent; if they become more prominent or painful, it indicates deep vein thrombosis (DVT). * **Multiple Tourniquet Test:** A variation of the tourniquet test used specifically to **localize the site of incompetent perforators** between the superficial and deep systems. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Gold Standard Investigation:** Duplex Ultrasound is now the investigation of choice for varicose veins, largely replacing these clinical tests in modern practice. * **Schwartz Test:** Also known as the "Tap test," it checks for the competency of valves in the long saphenous vein. * **Fegan’s Method:** A clinical technique used to identify the "blow-outs" or gaps in the fascia where incompetent perforators are located. * **Homans’ Sign:** Forced dorsiflexion of the foot causing calf pain; historically associated with DVT but lacks high sensitivity and specificity.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of peripheral arterial occlusion?

Shock. **Explanation:** Peripheral arterial occlusion (acute limb ischemia) is a surgical emergency characterized by the sudden decrease in limb perfusion. The clinical presentation is classically described by the **"6 Ps"**: **P**ain, **P**allor, **P**ulselessness, **P**aresthesia, **P**aralysis, and **P**oikilothermia (perishing cold). **Why "Shock" is the correct answer:** Shock is a state of systemic circulatory failure leading to inadequate tissue perfusion at the multiorgan level. Peripheral arterial occlusion is a **localized vascular event** affecting a specific limb. While it causes severe local ischemia, it does not typically cause systemic hypotension or hemodynamic instability (shock) unless complicated by massive reperfusion injury, systemic sepsis, or if the occlusion is a result of a catastrophic event like a ruptured aortic aneurysm. **Analysis of incorrect options:** * **Pain:** Usually the earliest and most common symptom. It is sudden, severe, and often involves the distal part of the limb. * **Pallor:** Occurs due to the lack of arterial blood flow to the dermal capillary beds, giving the limb a "waxy white" appearance. * **Pulselessness:** A hallmark sign. The absence of pulses distal to the site of occlusion is diagnostic. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **The Golden Period:** Revascularization should ideally occur within **6 hours** to prevent irreversible muscle necrosis. * **Most common cause:** Embolism (often originating from the heart due to Atrial Fibrillation). * **Most common site of embolization:** The bifurcation of the **Common Femoral Artery**. * **Investigation of Choice:** Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is the gold standard, but CT Angiography is more commonly used in acute settings.

Q: Which of the following is true regarding arteriovenous fistula?

All of the above. An **Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula** is an abnormal communication between an artery and a vein, bypassing the capillary bed. This leads to significant hemodynamic and structural changes. **Explanation of Options:** * **A. Cardiac Failure:** AV fistulas decrease total peripheral resistance (TPR), leading to a compensatory increase in stroke volume and heart rate. This results in **high-output cardiac failure**. A classic sign is **Nicoladoni-Branham’s sign**, where manual compression of the fistula causes bradycardia and a rise in blood pressure. * **B. Local Gigantism:** If a congenital AV fistula occurs before the closure of the epiphyseal plates, the increased blood flow and venous congestion stimulate bone overgrowth, leading to limb lengthening or local gigantism (e.g., **Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome**). * **C. Ulcers:** While it seems counterintuitive, AV fistulas cause **venous hypertension** and "steal" oxygenated blood away from the distal capillary beds. This leads to chronic venous insufficiency and distal ischemia, both of which manifest as skin pigmentation and non-healing ulcers. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Machinery Murmur:** A continuous thrill and bruit are heard over the site of the fistula. * **Proximal vs. Distal:** The artery proximal to the fistula becomes dilated and tortuous, while the distal part may show signs of ischemia. * **Diagnostic Gold Standard:** Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). * **Management:** Small asymptomatic fistulas are observed; symptomatic ones require surgical excision or endovascular embolization.

Question 1

The Fontaine and Rutherford classification of peripheral arterial disease is based on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Clinical presentation

Answer

Severity of arterial stenosis on imaging

Answer

Both clinical presentation and severity of arterial stenosis on imaging

Answer

All of the above

Question 2

Varicose veins of size less than what measurement can be best treated by sclerotherapy?

Accepted Answer

3 mm

Answer

2 mm

Answer

4 mm

Answer

6 mm

Question 3

What is the commonest complication of varicose vein stripping?

Accepted Answer

Ecchymosis

Answer

Thromboembolism

Answer

Hemorrhage

Answer

Infection

Question 4

What is the most common age group affected in thoracic outlet obstruction syndrome?

Accepted Answer

25-45 years

Answer

10-25 years

Answer

45-65 years

Answer

> 65 years

Question 5

What is the most common site of acute aortic dissection?

Accepted Answer

Right lateral wall of the ascending aorta

Answer

Arch of the aorta

Answer

Suprarenal abdominal aorta

Answer

Infrarenal abdominal aorta

Question 6

A 67-year-old hypertensive man presents with lower abdominal pain and back pain. An expansive abdominal mass is palpated lateral and superior to the umbilicus. What is the best investigation for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound abdomen

Answer

X-ray KUB

Answer

Coronary angiography

Answer

Intravenous Pyelography

Question 7

All are true about Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The most important sign is color change of the limb

Answer

More common in the lower limb

Answer

Can lead to pulmonary embolism

Answer

A common symptom is aching pain

Question 8

Which test is not performed for varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

Adson's test

Answer

Perthes' test

Answer

Tourniquet test

Answer

Trendelenburg test

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a feature of peripheral arterial occlusion?

Accepted Answer

Shock

Answer

Pallor

Answer

Pain

Answer

Pulselessness

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding arteriovenous fistula?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Leads to cardiac failure

Answer

Causes local gigantism

Answer

Can cause ulcers

Vascular Surgery — MCQs

Vascular Surgery — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?