VM 704 (Pathology)- Disturbance of Circulation: Edema, Thrombosis, Embolism, and Infarction

What are the 3 main categories of edema?

1. Effusion

2. Transudate

3. Exudate

What are the 2 generalized causes of edema?

1. Protein loss

2. Heart failure

What are the 3 main causes of localized edema?

1. Venous obstruction

2. Lymphatic obstruction

3. Inflammatory edema/vascular injury

What is the difference between clots and thrombi?

Thrombi represent excessive or inappropriate clots formed

What are the 3 scenarios in which venous thrombi can occur?

1. Congestive heart failure

2. Stenosis or aneurysmal dilation

3. Compression

What is the appearance of arterial thrombi?

Pale and dry (composed of fibrin/platelets)

What is the appearance of venous thrombi?

Large, dark red, and gelatinous

What is the best possible outcome for a thrombus?

Fibrinolysis (digestion of the thrombus)

What is the definition of an embolism?

A physical mass of material carried through the bloodstream that lodges in a vascular bed

What are the 8 types of possible emboli?

1. Thrombi

2. Hair

3. Fat

4. Cartilage

5. Neoplastic cells

6. Bacteria

7. Air

8. Pharmaceutical suspensions

What is the definition of an infarct?

A localized area of tissue necrosis caused by ischemia

What are the main causes of infarction?

Blockage of blood flow in either venous or arterial channels

Which 3 organs are the most vulnerable to infarction?

1. Brain

2. Heart

3. Kidneys

Which types of tissues are LEAST susceptible to infarction?

Tissues with dual blood supply

What is the appearance of an infarct?

Irregularly shaped, sharply demarcated

What happens to the volume of an infarct over time?

It decreases