Thromboembolia

Thromboembolia refers to a medical condition where a blood clot, known as a thrombus, forms in a blood vessel and then breaks off, traveling through the bloodstream to another part of the body. This traveling clot is called an embolus. The embolus can then lodge in a smaller blood vessel, obstructing blood flow and causing damage to the tissues or organs supplied by that vessel.

The formation of a thrombus is often associated with Virchow's triad, which includes changes in the blood vessel wall (endothelial injury), abnormal blood flow (stasis), and an increased tendency for blood to clot (hypercoagulability). Risk factors for thromboembolia include immobility, surgery, trauma, certain medical conditions like cancer or inflammatory diseases, and genetic predispositions to clotting.

The consequences of thromboembolia depend on the location of the embolus. Common examples include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can lead to pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs. Other forms include arterial thromboembolia, which can cause stroke if the clot blocks an artery to the brain, or myocardial infarction (heart attack) if it blocks a coronary artery.

Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. Treatment aims to prevent further clot formation and embolism, often involving anticoagulant medications to thin the blood. In some cases, clot-dissolving drugs (thrombolytics) or surgical removal of the clot may be necessary. Prevention strategies include early mobilization after surgery, anticoagulant medications for high-risk individuals, and compression stockings.