Embolium

Embolium is a term used in medicine to describe a substance that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel, causing an obstruction. This obstructing substance is known as an embolus. Emboli can be composed of various materials, including blood clots, fat droplets, air bubbles, foreign bodies, or cancerous cells.

The formation of an embolus often begins in one part of the body, such as a deep vein, and then detaches to travel through the circulatory system. When the embolus reaches a blood vessel that is too narrow for it to pass, it becomes lodged, blocking blood flow. This blockage can lead to a range of serious health consequences depending on the location and size of the embolus.

Common types of emboli include thromboemboli, which are blood clots that have broken off from a larger clot. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. Arterial embolism can affect the brain, leading to a stroke, or other organs, causing ischemia. Fat embolism can occur after fractures of long bones, where fat from the bone marrow enters the bloodstream. Air embolism can result from surgical procedures or trauma where air enters a vein or artery.

The symptoms of an embolism vary widely but may include sudden pain, shortness of breath, neurological deficits, or changes in skin color. Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. Treatment aims to restore blood flow and prevent further complications, often involving anticoagulant medications, thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot, or surgical removal of the embolus.