Abstract:
An embolus is a detached intravascular solid, liquid, or gaseous mass carried by the blood to a distant site, where it causes tissue dysfunction or infarction. The vast majority of emboli derive from a dislodged thrombus. More than 95% of pulmonary thromboembolism cases involve venous emboli originating from deep venous thromboses, whereas about 80% of systemic thromboembolism cases involve intracardiac mural thrombi. The primary consequence of systemic embolization is ischemic necrosis (infarction) of downstream tissues. The consequences of embolization depend on the caliber of the occluded vessel, the collateral supply, and the affected tissue’s vulnerability to anoxia. Embolization in the pulmonary circulation leads to hypoxia, hypotension, and right-sided heart failure.
