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Brianne- Group 3: Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Embolism caused by a Venous Thrombosis
Venous thrombosis is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms inside a vein, which can severely affect the affected area. A blood clot can obstruct or reduce blood flow, leading to complications such as swelling, pain, and discoloration of the affected area.
The process leading to venous thrombosis is complex and involves various factors. Changes in the normal flow of blood within the veins, damage to the inner lining of the blood vessel (vascular endothelium), and abnormalities in blood constituents (hypercoagulability) are some factors that can contribute to the development of venous thrombosis (Navarrete et al., 2022).
Venous thrombosis can occur in any part of the body, but it is most commonly observed in the legs. The condition can be life-threatening if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (Khan et al., 2021). Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of venous thrombosis, such as pain, swelling, or redness in the affected area.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe medical condition caused by a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Then, it travels to the lungs, obstructing the pulmonary arteries. This obstruction can cause a range of symptoms, from mild shortness of breath to severe chest pain and sudden death (Kaptein et al., 2021).
The pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism involves a complex series of events, starting with forming a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis. A portion of this clot may detach and travel through the bloodstream until it reaches the lungs, where it can lodge in one of the pulmonary arteries and block blood flow (Duffett et al., 2020).
The obstruction of blood flow to the lungs leads to decreased oxygen supply, which triggers a cascade of hemodynamic and inflammatory responses. These responses can cause an increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, strain on the right side of the heart, and damage to the lung tissue (Lyhne et al., 2020).
In conclusion, pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential in preventing further complications and reducing the risk of mortality associated with PE.
I hope everyone has a great week,
Brianne
References
Duffett, L., Castellucci, L. A., & Forgie, M. A. (2020). Pulmonary embolism: Update on management and controversies. BMJ, m2177. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m2177
Kaptein, F., Kroft, L., Hammerschlag, G., Ninaber, M., Bauer, M., Huisman, M., & Klok, F. (2021). Pulmonary infarction in acute pulmonary embolism. Thrombosis Research, 202, 162-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2021.03.022
Khan, F., Tritschler, T., Kahn, S. R., & Rodger, M. A. (2021). Venous thromboembolism. The Lancet, 398(10294), 64-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32658-1
Lyhne, M. D., Kline, J. A., Nielsen‐Kudsk, J. E., & Andersen, A. (2020). Pulmonary vasodilation in acute pulmonary embolism – a systematic review. Pulmonary Circulation, 10(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045894019899775
Navarrete, S., Solar, C., Tapia, R., Pereira, J., Fuentes, E., & Palomo, I. (2022). Pathophysiology of deep vein thrombosis. Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 23(3), 645-654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-022-00829-w
