Location Of Lungs Biography
(Source google.com)
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a
blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance
that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream
(embolism). PE most commonly results from deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in
the deep veins of the legs or pelvis) that breaks off and migrates to the lung,
a process termed venous thromboembolism (VTE). A small proportion of cases are
caused by the embolization of air, fat, or talc in drugs of intravenous drug
abusers or amniotic fluid. The obstruction of the blood flow through the lungs
and the resultant pressure on the right ventricle of the heart lead to the
symptoms and signs of PE. The risk of PE is increased in various situations,
such as cancer or prolonged bed rest.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism
include difficulty breathing, chest pain on inspiration, and palpitations.
Clinical signs include low blood oxygen saturation and cyanosis, rapid
breathing, and a rapid heart rate. Severe cases of PE can lead to collapse, abnormally
low blood pressure, and sudden death. Diagnosis is based on these
clinical findings in combination with laboratory tests (such as the D-dimer
test) and imaging studies, usually CT pulmonary angiography. Treatment is
typically with anticoagulant medication, including heparin and warfarin. Severe
cases may require thrombolysis ("clot busting") with drugs such as
tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or may require surgical intervention via
pulmonary thrombectomy.
Symptoms of PE are typically
sudden in onset and include dyspnea (shortness of breath), tachypnea (rapid
breathing), chest pain of a "pleuritic" nature (worsened by
breathing), cough and hemoptysis (coughing up blood). More severe cases can
include signs such ascyanosis (blue discoloration, usually of the lips and
fingers), collapse, and circulatory instability because of decreased blood flow
through the lungs and into the left side of the heart. About 15% of all cases
of sudden death are attributable to PE. On physical examination, the
lungs are usually normal. Occasionally, a pleural friction rub may be audible
over the affected area of the lung (mostly in PE with infarct). A pleural
effusion is sometimes present that is exudative, detectable by decreased
percussion note, audible breath sounds and vocal resonance. Strain on the right
ventricle may be detected as a left parasternal heave, a loud pulmonary
component of circulatory instability because of decreased blood flow through the lungs and into the left side of the heart. About 15% of all cases of sudden death are attributable to PE. On physical examination, the lungs are usually normal. Occasionally, a pleural friction rub may be audible over the affected area of the lung (mostly in PE with infarct). A pleural effusion is sometimes present that is exudative, detectable by decreased percussion note, audible breath sounds and vocal resonance. Strain on the right ventricle may be detected as a left parasternal heave, a loud pulmonary component of the second heart sound, and raised jugular venous pressure. A low-grade fever may be present, particularly if there is associated pulmonary hemorrhage or infarction. The most common sources of embolism are proximal leg deep venous thrombosis (DVTs) the second heart sound, and raised jugular venous pressure. A
low-grade fever may be present, particularly if there is associated pulmonary
hemorrhage or infarction. The most common sources of embolism are proximal leg
deep venous thrombosis (DVTs) or pelvic vein thromboses. Any risk factor for
DVT also increases the risk that the venous clot will dislodge and migrate to
the lung circulation, which may happen in as many as 15% of all DVTs. The
conditions are generally regarded as a continuum termed venous thromboembolism
(VTE). The development of thrombosis is classically due to a group of causes
named Virchow's triad(alterations in blood flow, factors in the vessel wall and
factors affecting the properties of the blood). Often, more than one risk
factor is present.
No comments:
Post a Comment