thrombus and virchow's triad

why is a thrombus bad?

blood clot reduces the amount of blood flow through the affected vessel

tissue ischemia develops

what is the danger of a thrombus?

may grow large enough to block the entire blood vessel

may lead to permanent destruction of tissue cells (necrosis)

examples of extreme cases that can lead to conditions with high morbidity and mortality

ischemic/embolic stroke (cerebral infarction)

MI (myocardial infarction)

PE (pulmonary embolus)

ATN (acute tubular necrosis) (renal insult)

what is virchow’s triad?

potential causes of thrombus formation:

abnormal blood flow

hypercoagulability

injury to the vessel wall

what is abnormal blood flow? why is it bad?

decreased turbulence of “stagnant” flow

need good pulsified flow or the blood will coagulate → obstruct the vessel

examples that cause abnormal blood flow

atrial fibrilation

immobility

venous insufficiency

venous obstruction

what is hypercoagulability?

enhanced coagulation factor formation

examples that cause hypercoagulability

malignancy → cancer can cause the blood vessels to feel insulted

trauma or surgery

IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)

pregnancy

sepsis

nephrotic syndrome

how does injury to the vessel wall causes thrombus formation?

increased platelet activity (stimulates the whole cascade)

examples of injury to the vessel wall

trauma or surgery

venipuncture

chemical irritation

atherosclerosis

indwelling catheters