Venous Embolism Quiz

Venous embolism is the condition where a venous clot travels from one location to another. Most commonly this happens when a deep venous thrombosis (clot) develops in the larger veins of the leg and breaks off and travels to the lungs (clot is now called a pulmonary embolism). Causes of venous thrombosis include recent surgical procedure, spinal cord injury or other reason for immobility, fracture of hip or leg or other trauma, cancers, heart failure, stroke, obesity, and inherited risk factors like gene mutations causing blood to clot more easily.

• Swollen legs / fluid retention in the legs

• Swelling or water retention on one side of the body

• Muscle pain in the limbs when pressed or squeezed

• Skin problem of the legs, in the area between thigh and ankle

• Calf pain

• Affected area is warm to touch

• Hands and feet are cold

Venous embolism requires immediate treatment and is treatable if discovered early. Anticoagulants (commonly called "blood thinners") are used to stop the venous embolus from growing bigger. Sometimes, special medications called thrombolytics are used to dissolve the clot. Management of primary cause is required. Patients are often continued on anticoagulant pills for 3-6 months after diagnosis, but sometimes may need to be on these medications for the rest of their lives.