thromboembolism
A blood clot that forms in one location and travels to block a blood vessel elsewhere in the body.
Full Definition
Thromboembolism describes the process where a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one part of the vascular system and subsequently breaks free to become an embolus that travels through the bloodstream to obstruct a vessel in another location. This condition is commonly seen in pulmonary embolism, stroke, and peripheral arterial occlusion. Vascular imaging plays a crucial role in both diagnosing the source of thromboembolism and identifying the resulting vascular obstruction. Editors must distinguish this compound term from 'thrombosis' (clot formation) and 'embolism' (traveling obstruction) when used individually.
Usage
Usage note: Use as a single compound word; avoid hyphenation as 'thrombo-embolism'.
In Context
- "Pulmonary thromboembolism was confirmed on contrast-enhanced CT." — Pulmonology report
- "The patient developed acute limb ischemia secondary to thromboembolism." — Vascular surgery consultation