Thromboembolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery: causes, symptoms and diagnosis

Thromboembolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery is a serious condition that occurs as a result of blockage of the lumen of the vessel by a blood clot (thrombus). As a result of such a violation, normal blood flow is blocked, which creates a risk to human health and life.

Thromboembolism of pulmonary artery branches: causes

In fact, blockage of pulmonary vessels, as a rule, is associated with a violation of normal blood clotting and the formation of clots. Here are just some of the diseases that can lead to the development of this condition:

• Heart diseases, including ischemia, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, atherosclerosis.
• Some oncological diseases, such as a lung tumor.
• Quite often thromboembolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery develops as a result of chronic respiratory or heart failure.
• Risk factors include postoperative period, as well as pregnancy and childbirth.
• Promotes the formation of thrombi and the use of certain medications.
• A thrombosis with subsequent embolism may be the result of dehydration of the body or a prolonged uncontrolled intake of diuretics that affect the viscosity of the blood.
• The risk factor is also age and gender. Statistics show that women are twice as likely to be affected by this disease. In addition, in most cases, thromboembolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery is found in people over fifty years of age, although young people are also not immune from such a violation.
• To the development of thromboembolism may cause some metabolic disorders. In particular, people with diabetes or obesity often face this problem.
• Injuries to the spinal cord and spine, severe fractures can also be attributed to risk factors.
• Thromboembolism can develop against a background of extensive burns, frostbite or massive hemorrhages.
• It is also worth noting that varicose veins on the legs lead to stagnation of blood, which contributes to the formation of blood clots.

In fact, the true causes of such a state can not be determined quite often.

Thromboembolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery: the main symptoms

In fact, mild forms of obstruction of the vessels can proceed without any serious symptoms - a person complains of fatigue, weakness, dizziness. Sometimes thromboembolism is manifested by fainting, a sensation of suffocation, pain and burning in the chest, convulsions. In some cases, one can observe the pallor of the skin along with the cyanotic skin of the face. In any case, with such symptoms it is better to immediately seek medical help. After all, thromboembolism can lead to dangerous and even tragic consequences.

Pulmonary artery thromboembolism: diagnosis

Correct diagnosis in this case is extremely important. After all, as the statistics show, far from in every case, specialists manage to establish the diagnosis and the nature of the origin of the disease on time, which leads to serious injuries, complications, and sometimes death. Of course, in the first place, ECG is performed, as thromboembolism is often manifested by blockade of the right leg of the bundle of His. In addition, chest X-ray examination, angiography of some vessels, ultrasound examination of the veins of the lower extremities, as well as computed tomography with the introduction of contrast are performed. Treatment includes a set of drugs (or procedures) aimed at removing thrombus and restoring blood flow, as well as eliminating the primary disease that caused the clogging of the pulmonary vessel.