embolism
Sudden occlusion of a blood vessel by traveling material (thrombus, plaque, or foreign matter) originating elsewhere in the circulation.
Full Definition
The blockage of an artery by an embolus - material that has traveled through the bloodstream from its site of origin to lodge in a distant vessel. Common sources include cardiac thrombi, atherosclerotic plaque fragments, and paradoxical emboli through septal defects. Clinical presentation depends on the affected vessel territory and may include acute limb ischemia, stroke, or organ infarction. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion, imaging studies, and identification of an embolic source. Treatment typically involves anticoagulation, surgical or catheter-based embolectomy, and management of the underlying source to prevent recurrence.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from thrombosis (in-situ clot formation). Embolus = traveling material, embolism = process/event.
In Context
- "The patient developed acute embolism to the right popliteal artery from atrial fibrillation." — Emergency department note
- "Surgical embolectomy was performed emergently to restore limb perfusion." — Operative report