Deep vein thrombosis pathophysiology

Revision as of 20:43, 5 September 2011 by WikiBot (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. Associate Editor-In-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [1]

Deep Vein Thrombosis Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Deep vein thrombosis from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Triggers

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Approach

Assessment of Clinical Probability and Risk Scores

Assessment of Probability of Subsequent VTE and Risk Scores

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Ultrasound

Venography

CT

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Treatment

Treatment Approach

Medical Therapy

IVC Filter

Invasive Therapy

Surgery

Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Special Scenario

Upper extremity DVT

Recurrence

Pregnancy

Trials

Landmark Trials

Case Studies

Case #1

Deep vein thrombosis pathophysiology On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Deep vein thrombosis pathophysiology

CDC on Deep vein thrombosis pathophysiology

Deep vein thrombosis pathophysiology in the news

Blogs on Deep vein thrombosis pathophysiology

Directions to Hospitals Treating Deep vein thrombosis

Risk calculators and risk factors for Deep vein thrombosis pathophysiology

Overview

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. The clot can block blood flow and cause swelling and pain. When a clot breaks off and moves through the bloodstream, this is called an embolism. An embolism can get stuck in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, leading to severe damage.

Blood clots may form when something slows or changes the flow of blood in the veins.

Pathophysiology

Rudolf Virchow noted several factors affecting the clot formation, which are as follows:

1).Alterations in blood flow (stasis) : Blood flows throughout the circulatory system, without significantly stopping or slowing any where. In certain pathological conditions where the blood flow slows down or stops, it causes

  • a) Increase in platelet to endothelium contact
  • b) Decrease the dilution of clotting factors

This increases the risk of clot formation and form microthrombi, which further grow and propagate.

2).Injury to the vascular endothelium : Intrinsic or secondary to external trauma (Eg. catheterization) can cause intimal damage and stimulates clot formation. See Coagulation

3).Alterations in the constitution of blood (hypercoagulability) :It is the propensity to develop thrombosis due to an abnormality in the system of coagulation.

These three conditions are collectively known as Virchow's triad and lead to intravascular coagulation, forming a mass of red blood cells, leukocytes, and fibrin.

More DVT's occur in the left leg than in the right, because the right common iliac artery compresses the left common iliac vein.(see May-Thurner syndrome)

Thrombi usually develop first in the calf veins, "growing" in the direction of blood flow. DVTs are distinguished as being above or below the popliteal vein. Very extensive DVTs can extend into the iliac veins or the inferior vena cava. The risk of pulmonary embolism is higher in the presence of more extensive clots.

<youtube v=X_POCRsy7i4/> This video explains the process of thrombosis.

See also

Thrombosis

References

Template:WH Template:WS