Embolism Flashcards
What is embolism?
The process of partial or complete obstruction of the circulation by a transported intravascular mass detached from its site of origin, called an embolus.
What are the main types of emboli based on their matter?
- Liquid (e.g. fat globules, amniotic fluid, bone marrow)
- Gaseous (e.g. air, other gases)
- Solid (e.g. detached thrombi, atheromatous material, tumor cell clumps, tissue fragments, parasites, bacterial clumps, foreign bodies)
What are the two classifications of emboli based on infection status?
- Septic (when infected)
- Bland (when sterile)
What are the common forms of emboli?
Thromboemboli, originating from thrombi or their parts detached from the vessel wall, account for about 90% of emboli.
What are arterial emboli?
Emboli that occur in systemic arteries, affecting organs such as the brain, spleen, kidney, and intestine.
What are venous emboli?
Emboli that occur in pulmonary arteries, typically originating from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower legs.
What are lymphatic emboli?
Emboli occurring in the draining area of cancer, containing tumor cells.
What are cardiac emboli?
Emboli originating from the left side of the heart, such as those from the atrium, atrial appendages, infarcts in the left ventricle, or vegetations of endocarditis.
What is a paradoxical embolus?
An embolus carried from the venous side of circulation to the arterial side or vice versa, often through arteriovenous communication.
What is a retrograde embolus?
An embolus that travels against the flow of blood.
What is the most common source of arterial thromboembolism?
Mural thrombi from the left atrium or left ventricle, vegetations on heart valves, prosthetic heart valves, and cardiomyopathy.
What are the potential effects of arterial emboli?
- Infarction of the organ or its affected part
- Myocardial infarction following coronary embolism
- Gangrene in lower limbs if collateral circulation is inadequate
- Arteritis and mycotic aneurysm formation
- Sudden death from coronary embolism or embolism in the middle cerebral artery
What is the most common cause of venous thrombi?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower legs.
Fill in the blank: The components of amniotic fluid are associated with _______.
Amniotic fluid embolism
What is the origin of pulmonary embolism?
Veins of lower legs.
