Arterial embolism: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Arterial embolism | |||
| image = [[File:Atrial_myxoma_embolus.jpg|left|thumb|Arterial embolism]] | |||
| caption = Embolus from an [[atrial myxoma]] | |||
| field = [[Vascular surgery]] | |||
| synonyms = Arterial thromboembolism | |||
| symptoms = [[Pain]], [[pallor]], [[pulselessness]], [[paresthesia]], [[paralysis]], [[poikilothermia]] | |||
| complications = [[Tissue necrosis]], [[gangrene]], [[organ failure]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Atrial fibrillation]], [[atherosclerosis]], [[heart valve disease]], [[myocardial infarction]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[hypertension]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[hyperlipidemia]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Doppler ultrasound]], [[angiography]], [[CT scan]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Deep vein thrombosis]], [[peripheral artery disease]], [[compartment syndrome]] | |||
| treatment = [[Anticoagulation]], [[thrombolysis]], [[embolectomy]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on location and treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in older adults | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A condition where an embolus blocks an artery}} | {{Short description|A condition where an embolus blocks an artery}} | ||
== | == Introduction == | ||
An '''arterial embolism''' is a condition where an [[embolus]], such as a blood clot, air bubble, or fat globule, travels through the bloodstream and lodges in an [[artery]], causing a blockage. This can lead to tissue damage or [[ischemia]] due to the restricted blood flow. Arterial embolisms are medical emergencies that require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications. | An '''arterial embolism''' is a condition where an [[embolus]], such as a blood clot, air bubble, or fat globule, travels through the bloodstream and lodges in an [[artery]], causing a blockage. This can lead to tissue damage or [[ischemia]] due to the restricted blood flow. Arterial embolisms are medical emergencies that require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The most common cause of arterial embolism is a [[thrombus]] that forms in the heart and breaks loose, traveling through the bloodstream until it becomes lodged in a smaller artery. This is often associated with conditions such as [[atrial fibrillation]], [[myocardial infarction]], or [[valvular heart disease]]. Other causes include: | The most common cause of arterial embolism is a [[thrombus]] that forms in the heart and breaks loose, traveling through the bloodstream until it becomes lodged in a smaller artery. This is often associated with conditions such as [[atrial fibrillation]], [[myocardial infarction]], or [[valvular heart disease]]. Other causes include: | ||
* [[Atrial myxoma]]: A benign tumor in the heart that can release embolic material. | * [[Atrial myxoma]]: A benign tumor in the heart that can release embolic material. | ||
* [[Fat embolism]]: Often occurs after fractures of long bones. | * [[Fat embolism]]: Often occurs after fractures of long bones. | ||
* [[Air embolism]]: Can occur during certain medical procedures or trauma. | * [[Air embolism]]: Can occur during certain medical procedures or trauma. | ||
[[File:Atrial myxoma embolus.jpg|left|thumb|Atrial myxoma embolus]] | |||
[[File:Atrial myxoma embolus.jpg|thumb | |||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of an arterial embolism depend on the location of the blockage. Common symptoms include: | Symptoms of an arterial embolism depend on the location of the blockage. Common symptoms include: | ||
* Sudden pain in the affected area | * Sudden pain in the affected area | ||
* Loss of function or sensation in the affected limb | * Loss of function or sensation in the affected limb | ||
* Pale or blue skin color | * Pale or blue skin color | ||
* Weak or absent pulse below the site of the embolism | * Weak or absent pulse below the site of the embolism | ||
If the embolism affects the brain, it can lead to a [[stroke]], with symptoms such as sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of vision. | If the embolism affects the brain, it can lead to a [[stroke]], with symptoms such as sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of vision. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of an arterial embolism typically involves: | Diagnosis of an arterial embolism typically involves: | ||
* [[Physical examination]]: Checking for signs of reduced blood flow. | * [[Physical examination]]: Checking for signs of reduced blood flow. | ||
* [[Doppler ultrasound]]: To assess blood flow in the arteries. | * [[Doppler ultrasound]]: To assess blood flow in the arteries. | ||
* [[Angiography]]: Imaging to visualize the blood vessels and locate the blockage. | * [[Angiography]]: Imaging to visualize the blood vessels and locate the blockage. | ||
* [[CT scan]] or [[MRI]]: To assess the extent of tissue damage. | * [[CT scan]] or [[MRI]]: To assess the extent of tissue damage. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment options for arterial embolism include: | Treatment options for arterial embolism include: | ||
* [[Anticoagulant]]s: Medications to prevent further clotting. | * [[Anticoagulant]]s: Medications to prevent further clotting. | ||
* [[Thrombolysis]]: Use of drugs to dissolve the clot. | * [[Thrombolysis]]: Use of drugs to dissolve the clot. | ||
* [[Embolectomy]]: Surgical removal of the embolus. | * [[Embolectomy]]: Surgical removal of the embolus. | ||
* [[Bypass surgery]]: Creating an alternate route for blood flow around the blockage. | * [[Bypass surgery]]: Creating an alternate route for blood flow around the blockage. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventive measures focus on reducing the risk of embolism formation, especially in individuals with underlying heart conditions. These include: | Preventive measures focus on reducing the risk of embolism formation, especially in individuals with underlying heart conditions. These include: | ||
* [[Anticoagulation therapy]]: For patients with atrial fibrillation or prosthetic heart valves. | * [[Anticoagulation therapy]]: For patients with atrial fibrillation or prosthetic heart valves. | ||
* [[Lifestyle modifications]]: Such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise. | * [[Lifestyle modifications]]: Such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise. | ||
* [[Management of underlying conditions]]: Such as controlling [[hypertension]] and [[diabetes]]. | * [[Management of underlying conditions]]: Such as controlling [[hypertension]] and [[diabetes]]. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Thrombosis]] | * [[Thrombosis]] | ||
* [[Pulmonary embolism]] | * [[Pulmonary embolism]] | ||
* [[Deep vein thrombosis]] | * [[Deep vein thrombosis]] | ||
* [[Ischemic stroke]] | * [[Ischemic stroke]] | ||
[[Category:Vascular diseases]] | [[Category:Vascular diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Medical emergencies]] | [[Category:Medical emergencies]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:13, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Arterial embolism | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Arterial thromboembolism |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, poikilothermia |
| Complications | Tissue necrosis, gangrene, organ failure |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, heart valve disease, myocardial infarction |
| Risks | Smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia |
| Diagnosis | Doppler ultrasound, angiography, CT scan, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Deep vein thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, compartment syndrome |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Anticoagulation, thrombolysis, embolectomy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Depends on location and treatment |
| Frequency | Common in older adults |
| Deaths | N/A |
A condition where an embolus blocks an artery
Introduction[edit]
An arterial embolism is a condition where an embolus, such as a blood clot, air bubble, or fat globule, travels through the bloodstream and lodges in an artery, causing a blockage. This can lead to tissue damage or ischemia due to the restricted blood flow. Arterial embolisms are medical emergencies that require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications.
Causes[edit]
The most common cause of arterial embolism is a thrombus that forms in the heart and breaks loose, traveling through the bloodstream until it becomes lodged in a smaller artery. This is often associated with conditions such as atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, or valvular heart disease. Other causes include:
- Atrial myxoma: A benign tumor in the heart that can release embolic material.
- Fat embolism: Often occurs after fractures of long bones.
- Air embolism: Can occur during certain medical procedures or trauma.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of an arterial embolism depend on the location of the blockage. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden pain in the affected area
- Loss of function or sensation in the affected limb
- Pale or blue skin color
- Weak or absent pulse below the site of the embolism
If the embolism affects the brain, it can lead to a stroke, with symptoms such as sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of vision.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of an arterial embolism typically involves:
- Physical examination: Checking for signs of reduced blood flow.
- Doppler ultrasound: To assess blood flow in the arteries.
- Angiography: Imaging to visualize the blood vessels and locate the blockage.
- CT scan or MRI: To assess the extent of tissue damage.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for arterial embolism include:
- Anticoagulants: Medications to prevent further clotting.
- Thrombolysis: Use of drugs to dissolve the clot.
- Embolectomy: Surgical removal of the embolus.
- Bypass surgery: Creating an alternate route for blood flow around the blockage.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures focus on reducing the risk of embolism formation, especially in individuals with underlying heart conditions. These include:
- Anticoagulation therapy: For patients with atrial fibrillation or prosthetic heart valves.
- Lifestyle modifications: Such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise.
- Management of underlying conditions: Such as controlling hypertension and diabetes.
