Session 6- Thrombosis and embolism

Question 1

What is in Virchows triad? Give examples of why each may occur. what are these causes of?

Answer 1

Abnormalities in blood flow- Stagnation and turbulence
abnormalities in vessel wall- Atheroma, direct injury, inflammation
abnormalities in blood components- smokers, post partum, post op

Causes of thrombosis

Question 2

Describe the appearance of arterial thombi

Answer 2

pale- Less red blood cells
granular
lines of Zahn- due to different levels of blood flow at different times
lower cell content

Question 3

Describe the appearance of venous thrombi

Answer 3

deep red
gelatinous
greater cell content
soft

Question 4

2 effects of venous thrombi?

Answer 4

oedema

ischaemia due to decreased blood flow from the arteries to the veins

Question 5

effect of arterial thrombi?

Answer 5

ischaemia

Question 6

Name five outcome of thrombi? Brief explanation of each

Answer 6

lysis- complete dissolution of the clot by fibrinolysis
propagation- progressive spread of the thrombi in the direction of blood flow
embolism- part of the thrombus breaks off
organisation- ingrowth of capilleries and fibroblasts so thrombus –> granulation tissue
recanalisation- Channels open up in thrombus allowing blood to flow through it

Question 7

Describe how propagation of a thrombus occurs

Answer 7

Yoou get a thrombus
causes stagnation of blood past the thrombus
in the stagnation you get thrombus formation up the vessel

Question 8

Define thrombosis

Answer 8

the formation of a solid mass of blood within the circulatory system

Question 9

Define embolism

Answer 9

blockage of blood vessel by solid liquid or gas distant to the origin

Question 10

give 7 causes of embolism

Answer 10

air
amniotic fluid
medical equipment
tumour
nitrogen
thrombus
septic embolism (Inflammatory gunk)