Gas Embolism

What is Gas Embolism?

Gas embolism occurs when air travels through the vascular system. It can occur in decompression sickness (the bends) when divers ascend too quickly. It can also (very rarely) occur if air enters the arterial or venous system through surgery or…
Fat Embolism

What is Fat Embolism?

Fat embolism is a rare form of embolism that often results from multiple fractures or a fracture of the femur. Fat droplets enter the vein from bone marrow or surrounding adipose tissue. What is the Pathology of Fat Embolism? The…
Myocardial Infarction

What is a Myocardial Infarction?

Myocardial infarction is the irreversible death of heart muscle secondary to prolonged lack of oxygen supply. It typically occurs due to thromboembolism in a coronary artery. What is the Pathology of Myocardial Infarction? The pathology of myocardial infarction is: -Etiology:…
Thromboembolism

What is Thromboembolism?

Thromboembolism is the obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot. It is responsible for approximately 95% of embolisms. What is the Pathology of Thromboembolism? The pathology of thromboembolism is: -Etiology: The cause of thromboembolism is family history, sedentary…
Embolism

What is an Embolism?

An embolism is an intravascular mass that travels and occludes downstream vessels. Symptoms depend on the vessel involved, and may include myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accidents like stroke. Types of embolisms include:  ThromboembolismFat embolismGas embolismAmniotic fluid embolismPulmonary embolismSystemic embolism
Endothelial Cell Damage

What is Endothelial Cell Damage?

Endothelial Cell Damage is due to the direct trauma and/or damage to endothelial cells by hypoxia caused by stasis in the presence of activated clotting factors that initiate thrombosis. Also, the endothelial cell damage disrupts the protective function of endothelial…
Disruption of Normal Blood Flow

What is Disruption of Normal Blood Flow?

Disruption of normal blood flow is the deficient supply of blood to a body part that is mainly due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood.  There are 2 main types of blood flow found in the human body…
Hypercoagulable State

What is a Hypercoagulable State?

Hypercoagulable state is an increased tendency to develop thrombosis due to the presence of one or more predisposing factors, which can either be inherited or acquired. It can be due to excessive procoagulant proteins or defective anticoagulant proteins. Conditions that…
Virchow’s Triad

What is Virchow’s Triad?

Virchow’s triad describes the three broad categories of factors in the development of venous thrombosis. It is put forward by Rudolf Virchow. Virchow’s triad summarizes the three major risk factors for thrombosis which includes:  Hypercoagulable stateDisruption in blood flowEndothelial cell…