Embolism
Embolism refers to a condition where a mass of undissolved matter, such as a blood clot, air bubble, fat globule, or tissue, travels through the blood or lymphatic systems and lodges in a different part of the body. This can lead to significant health issues depending on where the embolus becomes trapped. Common types include pulmonary embolism, which affects the lungs and may cause shortness of breath and chest pain, and cerebral embolism, which can lead to strokes when blood flow to the brain is obstructed. Symptoms can vary widely; for instance, an embolism in the leg may result in pain and numbness. Treatment options are tailored to the affected area and may include blood thinners, thrombolytic drugs to dissolve clots, or surgical interventions such as bypass surgery. Advances in imaging technologies, like ultrasound and MRI, are enhancing the diagnosis and prevention of emboli, reflecting ongoing improvements in medical care. Understanding embolism is crucial for recognizing its potential dangers and the importance of prompt treatment.
Embolism
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Blood vessels, brain, circulatory system, lungs, lymphatic system
DEFINITION: A mass of undissolved matter traveling in the blood or lymphatic current
CAUSES: Blood clot, air bubble, tissue, fat globules, tumor cells, or other material lodging in part of the body
SYMPTOMS: If in the lung, shortness of breath and chest pain; if in the heart, symptoms of heart attack; if in the brain, symptoms of stroke; if in the leg, pain, cold, numbness
DURATION: Acute
TREATMENTS: Depends on system affected; may include blood thinners (heparin), thrombolytic drugs, bypass surgery
Causes and Symptoms
An embolism is a mass of undissolved matter traveling in the vascular system or the lymphatic system. Although an embolism can be solid, liquid, or gaseous, the majority of emboli are solid. Likewise, emboli may consist of air bubbles, bits of tissue, globules of fat, cells, or many other materials. The majority of emboli, however, are blood clots (thrombi) that originate in one portion of the body, break loose and travel, and eventually lodge in another part of the body. Where the traveling blood lodges will determine what kind of damage is done.
If the thrombus starts in the of the legs, it may break loose, travel up the veins of the leg and abdomen, pass through the right side of the heart, and lodge in the in the lungs. This condition, called a embolism, is often fatal. If the embolism is small, it may cause only shortness of breath and chest pain. If it is even smaller, the embolism may produce no symptoms at all.
If a blood clot forms in the chambers of the heart, breaks loose, and eventually lodges in an artery in the brain, then the patient will experience a stroke. If a clot breaks loose and lodges in an artery in the leg, then the patient will experience pain, coldness, or in that leg. A blood clot that lodges in the coronary arteries, the arteries that feed the heart muscle, may cause a heart attack.
Treatment and Therapy
Treatment will vary depending on what system has been affected by the embolus. If the clot lodges in the lungs, then the patient will likely be placed on a blood-thinning drug such as heparin. In severe cases, thrombolytic drugs, which dissolve clots, may be used. If the clot lodges in a coronary artery, then open-heart surgery may be performed to bypass the occluded artery. If the clot lodges in the leg, a surgeon may remove the clot from the artery. This procedure is possible only when the clot is discovered early, when it has not yet formed a strong attachment to the vessel wall. Another approach to this problem may be to bypass the occluded artery using an artificial artery or a graft.
Perspective and Prospects
The prevention and treatment of emboli are constantly improving. Venous thrombosis, the most common cause of pulmonary emboli, is becoming easier to diagnose thanks to major advances in ultrasound imaging. Also, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being used to make the identification of emboli in the more accurate and safer. Procedures for imaging the chambers of the heart, a common spot where emboli form, are improving as well, making prevention easier.
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