Pulmonary infarction

Pulmonary Infarction is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs, leading to tissue death due to lack of oxygen. This condition is a form of pulmonary embolism and is often associated with deep vein thrombosis.

Causes

The primary cause of pulmonary infarction is a blood clot that has traveled from elsewhere in the body, usually from the legs or pelvis. This is known as a thromboembolism. Other causes can include fat embolism, air embolism, and amniotic fluid embolism.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pulmonary infarction can vary, but often include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Other symptoms can include fever, rapid heart rate, and lightheadedness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pulmonary infarction typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Computed tomography (CT) scans and ventilation/perfusion scans are commonly used. Blood tests may also be used to detect D-dimer, a substance that is often elevated in people with blood clots.

Treatment

Treatment for pulmonary infarction typically involves anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting, and thrombolytic therapy to break up existing clots. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Prognosis

The prognosis for pulmonary infarction depends on the size and location of the clot, as well as the patient's overall health. With prompt treatment, most people recover fully. However, if left untreated, pulmonary infarction can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure.

See also

• Pulmonary embolism
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Thromboembolism