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===Thrombus Formation===
===Thrombus Formation===
* Normal [[homeostasis]] is maintained by the balance between the [[coagulation]] and [[fibrinolysis]] systems of the body.  A [[homeostatic]] imbalance leads to the formation of a [[thrombus]] or [[hemorrhage]].
* Usually there is a balance between the [[coagulation]] and [[fibrinolysis]] systems in order to not having abnormal thrombosis in the body.   
* Factors that increase the risk for a homeostatic imbalance include:
* Factors that increase the risk for a homeostatic imbalance include:
**[[Thrombophilia]]
**[[Thrombophilia]]
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* An insult to [[homeostatic]] balance can expose the sub-[[endothelium]] and lead to the collection of various [[coagulation factors]]. Accumulation of [[coagulation factors]] can lead to the formation of a [[thrombus]] of [[red blood cell|red blood cells]], [[leukocyte|leukocytes]], and [[fibrin]].
* An insult to [[homeostatic]] balance can expose the sub-[[endothelium]] and lead to the collection of various [[coagulation factors]]. Accumulation of [[coagulation factors]] can lead to the formation of a [[thrombus]] of [[red blood cell|red blood cells]], [[leukocyte|leukocytes]], and [[fibrin]].
* A [[thrombus]] is characteristically found to first develop in the calf [[veins]] and progressively grow in the direction of [[blood]] flow (leading to the [[heart]]).
* A [[thrombus]] is characteristically found to first develop in the calf [[veins]] and progressively grow in the direction of [[blood]] flow (leading to the [[heart]]).
* An exceedingly extensive DVT can extend well into the [[iliac vein|iliac veins]] or [[inferior vena cava|the inferior vena cava]].
* An exceedingly extensive thrombosis in [[Deep vein|deep veins]] can extend well into the [[iliac vein|iliac veins]] or [[inferior vena cava|the inferior vena cava]].





Revision as of 15:42, 25 July 2018

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Formation of the blood clot is called thrombosis. This process can happen in the artery and vein.

Pathophysiology

Rudolf Virchow noted several factors affecting the clot formation, which are as follows:

1) Alterations in blood flow (stasis): Blood flows throughout the circulatory system, without significantly stopping or slowing any where. In certain pathological conditions where the blood flow slows down or stops, it causes:

  • Increase in platelet to endothelium contact
  • Decrease the dilution of clotting factors

This increases the risk of clot formation and form microthrombi, which further grow and propagate.

2) Injury to the vascular endothelium: Intrinsic or secondary to external trauma (eg, catheterization) can cause intimal damage and stimulates clot formation. See Coagulation.

3) Alterations in the constitution of blood (hypercoagulability): It is the propensity to develop thrombosis due to an abnormality in the system of coagulation.

These three conditions are collectively known as Virchow's triad and lead to intravascular coagulation, forming a mass of red blood cells, leukocytes, and fibrin.

Shown below is a table depicting the elements of Virchow's triad and their modern counterparts.

Virchow's[1] Modern Notes
Phenomena of interrupted blood-flow "Stasis" or "venous stasis"[2] The first category, alterations in normal blood flow, refers to several situations. These include turbulence, stasis, mitral stenosis, and varicose veins. The equivalence of Virchow's version and the modern version has been disputed.[3]
Phenomena associated with irritation of the vessel and its vicinity "Endothelial injury" or "vessel wall injury" The second category, injuries and/or trauma to endothelium includes damage to the veins arising from shear stress or hypertension.
Phenomena of blood-coagulation "Hypercoagulability" The last category, alterations in the constitution of blood,[4] has numerous possible risk factors such as hyperviscosity, deficiency of antithrombin III, nephrotic syndrome, changes after severe trauma or burn, disseminated cancer, late pregnancy and delivery, race, age, whether the patient is a smoker, and obesity. All of these risk factors lead to hypercoagulability.

Thrombus Formation


This video explains the process of thrombosis:

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References

  1. Agutter, Paul S. (2008). The Aetiology of Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Critical, Historical and Epistemological Survey. Berlin: Springer. p. 84. ISBN 1-4020-6649-X.
  2. Lowe GD (2003). "Virchow's triad revisited: abnormal flow". Pathophysiol. Haemost. Thromb. 33 (5–6): 455–7. doi:10.1159/000083845. PMID 15692260.
  3. "Further reflections on Virchow's triad. - Free Online Library". Retrieved 2009-02-10.
  4. Chung I, Lip GY (2003). "Virchow's triad revisited: blood constituents". Pathophysiol. Haemost. Thromb. 33 (5–6): 449–54. doi:10.1159/000083844. PMID 15692259.

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