Clinical Manifestations
May present with unilateral or bilateral swelling of the lower extremities, especially if the clot starts in deep veins
Lower extremity swelling
Creation of a blood clot, often found in legs, due to factors such as immobility and surgery
Thrombosis
Imaging test using sound waves to produce a real-time image to measure blood flow and assess for clots in the veins in extremities
Echocardiography
Elastic garments worn to promote circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the legs.
Compression socks
Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin gene mutation, antithrombin deficiency, protein C/S deficiency
Inherited risk factors
Bluish discoloration of the skin or lips due to decreased oxygen levels in the blood
Cyanosis
Increased pressure in arteries leads to a strain in the right ventricle of heart, resulting in heart dysfunction
Right Ventricular failure
Non-invasive imaging test that helps to visualize the arteries and detect blockages caused by blood clots
(CTPA) Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography
Medication used to decrease your blood’s ability to clot.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Trauma, surgery, malignancy, peripartum state, estrogen therapy, aging, obesity
Acquired risk factors
Can induce coughing up blood; as a result from damage to the blood vessels in the lungs.
Hemoptysis
When clots begin to reach the vital organs (lungs) after breaking off, it can impede blood flow.
Obstruction of pulmonary artery
Blood test used to detect blood-clotting problems
D-Dimer blood tests
Medications used to dissolve blood clots quickly
Thrombolytic agents
This autoimmune disorder, which is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels, increases the risk of developing blood clots and in turn, developing the disease
Vasculitis
Chest pain localized to the area of lung tissue deprived of blood supply, can be accompanied by pleuritic pain and respiratory distress
Pulmonary Infarction
Response to decreased blood flow: narrowing of pulmonary blood vessels and increase pressure in pulmonary arteries
Pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension
A special type of X-ray that is used to diagnose because it uses contrast to analyze blood vessels with the use of contrast dye
Pulmonary Angiography
Placing a filter inside the body’s largest vein to catch clots before clots can travel to vital organs.
Vein filter
This is a device commonly prescribed for individuals at risk, used to squeeze the legs in order increase blood flow and prevent blood clots.
Sequential Compression Device (SCD)
Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space around the lungs, causing chest discomfort and worsening of respiratory symptoms
Pleural Effusion
Clots begin to break off and travel through the bloodstream
Embolism
Utilizing nuclear imaging to show which parts of your lungs are getting airflow and blood flow and identify regions with abnormal perfusion
Pulmonary V/Q scan
In severe cases where medications are unable to break up clots, surgery removal of clot is required.
Embolectomy
Often a complication of this medical condition, which involves the formation of blood clots in the deep veins, typically in the lower extremities
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)