Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, blocking blood flow.
It can occur in any blood vessel, but it is most common in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and the arteries of the heart (myocardial infarction).
Types
Arterial Thrombosis: forms in arteries, leading to ischemia and infarction of the affected tissue.
Venous Thrombosis: forms in veins, leading to swelling, pain, and redness of the affected limb.
Pulmonary Embolism: occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a blockage in the pulmonary arteries.
Causes
Dehydration: reduced blood flow and increased blood viscosity can lead to thrombosis.
Injury or trauma: damage to blood vessels and surrounding tissues can cause bleeding and clotting.
Infection: bacterial or fungal infections can cause inflammation and clotting.
Cancer: cancer cells can release substances that promote clotting.
Genetic disorders: certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of thrombosis.
Hormonal changes: increased estrogen levels during pregnancy or birth control use can increase the risk of thrombosis.
Medications: certain medications, such as hormone replacement therapy or chemotherapy, can increase the risk of thrombosis.
Clinical Features
Pain: pain in the affected limb or area.
Swelling: swelling of the affected limb or area.
Redness: redness of the affected limb or area.
Warmth: warmth of the affected limb or area.
Weakness: weakness of the affected limb or area.
Shortness of breath: shortness of breath in cases of pulmonary embolism.
Investigations
Ultrasound: ultrasound imaging can detect blood clots in veins and arteries.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans can detect blood clots in lungs and arteries.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI can detect blood clots in veins and arteries.
Blood tests: blood tests can detect elevated levels of clotting factors and inflammatory markers.
Complications
Pulmonary Embolism: a blood clot that breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
Stroke: a blood clot that forms in the arteries of the brain.
Heart Attack: a blood clot that forms in the arteries of the heart.
Kidney Damage: a blood clot that forms in the arteries of the kidneys.
Gangrene: a blood clot that forms in the arteries of the legs.
Management
Anticoagulation: medication to prevent further clotting.
Thrombolysis: medication to dissolve existing clots.
Surgery: surgical removal of the clot.
Compression stockings: compression stockings to prevent further clotting.
Antibiotics: antibiotics to prevent infection.
Treatment
Heparin: an anticoagulant medication to prevent further clotting.
Warfarin: an anticoagulant medication to prevent further clotting.
Aspirin: an antiplatelet medication to prevent further clotting.
Thrombin inhibitors: medications that inhibit the formation of thrombin.
Homoeopathic Medicines
Arnica: for pain and inflammation.
Calendula: for wound healing and tissue repair.
Ginkgo biloba: for vascular health and blood flow.
Nux vomica: for pain and inflammation.
Sulphur: for skin and tissue health.
Blood Supply
Arterial supply: the blood supply to the affected area is through the arterial system.
Venous drainage: the blood from the affected area drains into the venous system.
Nerve Supply
Sensory nerves: the sensory nerves of the affected area transmit pain and sensation.
Motor nerves: the motor nerves of the affected area transmit motor signals.
Clinical Anatomy
Blood vessels: the blood vessels of the affected area are susceptible to thrombosis.
Lymphatic vessels: the lymphatic vessels of the affected area can become congested.
Muscles and tendons: the muscles and tendons of the affected area can become inflamed.