Thrombosis & Embolism 2

Question 1

Describe embolism and embolus.

Answer 1

Embolism is the movement of abnormal material in the bloodstream that blocks a vessel’s lumen. An embolus is a detached intravascular solid, liquid, or gaseous mass.

Question 2

Define thromboembolism.

Answer 2

Thromboembolism occurs when dislodged thrombi travel through the bloodstream and block vessels in various parts of the body.

Question 3

How do atrial fibrillation and aortic aneurysms contribute to embolism?

Answer 3

In atrial fibrillation, bits of mural thrombus can break off and embolize. Aortic aneurysms can also lead to embolism when bits of thrombus break off and travel to other parts of the body.

Question 4

Describe the formation of paradoxical emboli.

Answer 4

Paradoxical emboli occur when there is a cardiac defect that allows thrombus from the venous circulation to pass through to the arterial circulation, potentially reaching sites like the brain.

Question 5

Do systemic thromboemboli affect specific body parts?

Answer 5

Systemic thromboemboli can travel to various sites, with the lower limbs being most common, but they can also affect the brain and other organs.

Question 6

Define infarction in the context of embolism.

Answer 6

Infarction occurs when tissue is deprived of blood supply due to vessel blockage, leading to tissue damage or cell death.

Question 7

Describe the appearance of cerebral infarct mentioned in the content.

Answer 7

The cerebral infarct appeared very hemorrhagic and had dark brown tissue.

Question 8

What is the most common form of thromboembolic disease according to the content?

Answer 8

The most common form of thromboembolic disease is venous thromboembolism originating from deep venous thromboses in the lower limbs.

Question 9

Define saddle embolus as per the content.

Answer 9

A saddle embolus is a large thromboembolus that sits over the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery or even the entire bifurcations.

Question 10

How do pulmonary thromboemboli typically present, according to the content?

Answer 10

Pulmonary thromboemboli are often multiple, with smaller emboli potentially heralding the onset of a larger and often fatal pulmonary embolus.

Question 11

Describe the potential consequences of pulmonary emboli based on the content.

Answer 11

The consequences of pulmonary emboli can vary, ranging from silent occurrences to pulmonary hemorrhage, infarction, heart failure, or even sudden death if the embolus is very large.

Question 12

What may develop in individuals with multiple pulmonary emboli over time, as mentioned in the content?

Answer 12

Individuals with multiple pulmonary emboli over time may develop pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure.

Question 13

Describe the process of thromboembolism as explained in the content.

Answer 13

Thromboembolism involves the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, potentially blocking blood flow in a vessel.

Question 14

Define Virchow’s triad and its relevance to DVT and pulmonary thromboembolism.

Answer 14

Virchow’s triad consists of three factors - changes in blood flow, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury - which are risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism.

Question 15

How can cardiac failure contribute to the risk of DVT and pulmonary thromboembolism?

Answer 15

Cardiac failure can lead to changes in blood flow, making it insufficient to maintain proper circulation, thus increasing the risk of DVT and pulmonary thromboembolism.

Question 16

Describe the role of oral contraceptive pills in increasing the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism.

Answer 16

Certain generations of oral contraceptive pills are considered a risk factor for DVT and pulmonary embolism due to their impact on blood constituents and coagulation.

Question 17

What are some preventive measures mentioned in the content to reduce the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism in surgical patients?

Answer 17

Prophylactic measures include the use of thromboembolic disease stockings, subcutaneous heparin, or other anticoagulant measures for surgical patients at risk.

Question 18

Explain the concept of fat embolism and its association with major fractures.

Answer 18

Fat embolism occurs when small bits of fat from fractures enter the bloodstream, potentially reaching the lungs and causing symptoms like breathlessness, commonly seen after major fractures.

Question 19

Describe the process of gas embolism and its effects on the body.

Answer 19

Gas embolism occurs when gas bubbles form in the circulation, leading to decompression sickness or air embolus, affecting organs like the brain, kidneys, and causing confusion, skin rash, or reduced renal function.

Question 20

Define tumour embolization and its role in cancer spread.

Answer 20

Tumour embolization is when a piece of a tumour breaks off, travels through the bloodstream, and can lead to metastasis by occluding vessels or growing in distant sites.

Question 21

How can trophoblast embolus impact a pregnancy?

Answer 21

Trophoblast embolus, rare but serious, occurs when pregnancy material enters the maternal circulation and embolizes to the lungs, potentially causing complications.

Question 22

Do septic emboli pose health risks?

Answer 22

Yes, septic emboli from infective endocarditis can break off from heart valves, travel to other parts of the body, and cause septic foci, leading to serious health issues.

Question 23

Describe the process of air embolism and its potential causes.

Answer 23

Air embolism can occur when air bubbles enter the circulation, often during medical procedures like central venous line insertion or surgery, affecting the bloodstream and causing complications.

Question 24

Explain the impact of gas embolus in decompression sickness.

Answer 24

In decompression sickness, rapid ascent from underwater causes nitrogen bubbles to form in the circulation, leading to gas embolus, which can lodge in capillaries and result in decompression sickness symptoms.

Question 25

Describe amniotic fluid embolism.

Answer 25

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare condition where skin cells and keratin from the baby enter the maternal circulation, usually reaching the lungs and causing a reaction that can lead to collapse and sometimes death in childbirth.

Question 26

Define embolism.

Answer 26

Embolism is the obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign substance or a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream from another part of the body.

Question 27

How can bone marrow embolism occur?

Answer 27

Bone marrow embolism can occur as a result of fractures, vigorous cardiopulmonary resuscitation causing a fracture, or foreign bodies like intravascular cannulae tips or sutures introduced into the circulation.

Question 28

Do emboli always cause immediate symptoms?

Answer 28

No, emboli may not always cause immediate symptoms and can sometimes remain within the lumen of blood vessels without growing into anything.

Question 29

Describe a foreign body embolus.

Answer 29

A foreign body embolus refers to objects like intravascular cannulae tips or sutures that are introduced into the circulation and can travel to distant sites, potentially causing blockages in blood vessels.