Pathology of thrombosis and embolism

Question 1

Describe the process of thrombosis.

Answer 1

Formation of a solid mass from the constituents of blood within the vascular system during life

1. turbulent blood flow
2. loss of intimal cells
3. collagen exposed and platelets adhere
4. fibrin meshwork forming alternating lines of Zahn
5. further turbulence and platelet deposition

Question 2

• Explain the significance of Virchow’s triad.

Answer 2

virchows triad are the factors that cause thrombosis

Question 3

Explain the relationship between atheroma and thrombosis.

Answer 3

thrombosis forms in an atheroma when there is bleeding

Question 4

List the factors causing thrombosis.

Answer 4

1.changes in blood vessel wall
2. changes in the blood constituents
3. changes in the pattern of blood flow

Question 5

List the factors causing embolism.

Answer 5

Movement of abnormal material in the bloodstream and its impact on the vessel blocking the lumen

Question 6

systemic thromboembolus

Answer 6

travels to a wide variety of sites e.g lower limbs, brain and other organs. consequences depend on the vulnerability of the affected tissues to ischaemia

Question 7

Different types of embolism

Answer 7

fat- after many fractures little bits of fractured bone get into circulation and go to lungs and cause breathlessness for example or brain and cause confusion

gas- decompression sickness, nitrogen forms bubbles with lodge into capillaries

air- small bubbles of air travel in bloodstream from CV lines for example

tumour- grow into vessel and little bit breaks off

trophoblast- small cell goes through tiny capillaries and can lodge in the lung

Question 7

Different types of embolism

Answer 7

fat- after many fractures little bits of fractured bone get into circulation and go to lungs and cause breathlessness for example or brain and cause confusion

gas- decompression sickness, nitrogen forms bubbles with lodge into capillaries

air- small bubbles of air travel in bloodstream from CV lines for example

tumour- grow into vessel and little bit breaks off

trophoblast- small cell goes through tiny capillaries and can lodge in the lung

Question 8

Describe rheumatic fever

Answer 8

disease of disordered immunity, inflammatory changes in the heart and joints
common after sore throat due to group A beta-haemolytic streptococci

Question 9

describe valvular heart disease

Answer 9

results from valvular stenosis- thickened/ calcified value which obstructs normal blood flow into chamber/ vessel
valve loses normal function and fails to prevent reflux of blood