Thrombosis

Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot, known as a thrombus, inside a blood vessel. This process disrupts the normal flow of blood, potentially leading to serious health complications.

Arterial thrombosis causing cyanosis

Types of Thrombosis

• Thrombosis can occur in any blood vessel within the body and is typically categorized based on its location:
• Venous Thrombosis: This includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT), typically occurring in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis, and pulmonary embolism (PE), where a blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. Collectively, these conditions are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
• Arterial Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot in an artery. This type of thrombosis often results in conditions such as stroke and heart attack, depending on where in the body the clot forms.

Pathophysiology

Thrombosis typically occurs when the balance of hemostasis is disturbed. This balance, maintained by pro-coagulant and anti-coagulant factors, can be disrupted by the presence of vessel wall damage (endothelial injury), abnormal blood flow, or hypercoagulability, often referred to as Virchow's triad.

Risk Factors

There are numerous factors that can increase an individual's risk of thrombosis. These include advanced age, obesity, smoking, use of certain medications (like oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy), genetic conditions causing clotting disorders, and prolonged immobility. Certain diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory disorders can also increase the risk of thrombosis.

Clinical Presentation

The symptoms of thrombosis depend on where the clot is located. DVT might cause swelling, pain, and redness in the affected limb. PE can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and sudden collapse. Arterial thrombosis may result in pain and loss of function in the affected area, such as in the arm or leg.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic methods for thrombosis include blood tests, ultrasound imaging, venography for DVT, and CT or MRI scans for suspected arterial thrombosis. D-dimer blood tests can also be useful in detecting blood clot formation.

Treatment

Treatment strategies for thrombosis aim to prevent the clot from getting larger, from breaking loose, and to reduce the chance of re-thrombosis. These can involve anticoagulant medications, thrombolytic therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions. It's also important to manage underlying risk factors and conditions.

Prognosis and Complications

If treated promptly, the prognosis for thrombosis is generally good. However, serious complications can arise if it's left untreated. These can include post-thrombotic syndrome, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and in severe cases, death.

See Also

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Venous thromboembolism
• Stroke
• Heart attack

References

• Rosendaal, F. R. (1999). Venous thrombosis: a multicausal disease. Lancet, 353(9159), 1167-1173.
• Heit, J. A. (2006). Venous thromboembolism: disease burden, outcomes and risk factors. Journal

Thrombosis Resources
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