Blodkoagel

Blodkoagel, or blood coagulum, is a semisolid mass that forms when blood clots in response to injury. It comprises a fibrin mesh that traps red and white blood cells and platelets, creating a stable barrier to seal damaged vessels. In living tissue, the clot is a normal part of hemostasis, helping to prevent excessive bleeding during wound healing.

Formation of a blodkoagel involves vascular constriction, platelet activation and aggregation, and activation of coagulation factors in the blood plasma. The coagulation cascade has intrinsic and extrinsic pathways that converge on thrombin, which converts fibrinogen to fibrin. The fibrin strands weave through the platelet plug to stabilize the clot, which is later removed by fibrinolysis as healing proceeds.

Physiologic versus pathologic clotting is a key distinction. A blodkoagel that forms and remains localized to the injury site aids repair. If clotting is abnormal or excessive, thrombosis may occur, potentially leading to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke, depending on the vessels involved. Risk factors include prolonged immobility, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, hormonal therapy, smoking, and inherited thrombophilias.

Resolution and clinical relevance: Clots are dissolved gradually by plasmin, and they may be reorganized or absorbed as vessels heal. Clinically, coagulation tests (such as PT and aPTT) and markers like d-dimer are used to assess clotting function and diagnose coagulation disorders. Understanding blodkoagel is essential in managing bleeding and thrombotic diseases.