Signs of embolism

The signs of embolism vary depending on the location of the embolism. In half of the cases, pulmonary embolism follows deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In embolisms that occlude an artery in the arm or leg, the following six signs of the affected limb are typical: These six signs are very specific for an arterial embolism of a limb and most likely indicate this diagnosis.

In pulmonary embolism, respiratory distress, rapid breathing, chest pain and an increased heart rate are typical. Other signs are symptoms of leg vein thrombosis, chest pain and a blue discoloration of the lips, head and neck. In severe cases, unconsciousness and cardiovascular arrest may occur.

A stroke triggered by a cerebral embolism leads to sudden neurological deficits. Depending on the affected brain region, visual disturbances, speech disorders, hemiplegic motor and sensory deficits, swallowing disorders and amnesia are possible. An embolism of the mesenteric artery, which supplies the majority of the intestine with blood, initially causes severe abdominal pain.

Sudden, very severe pain
Pallor
Loss of sensation
Inability to move or reduction in movement
Missing pulse
Shock

Different forms of embolism

In air embolism, the embolus (as the name suggests) consists of air. Typically, an air embolus develops during the intravenous administration of infusions or medication. Air in the infusion system or syringe enters the vein and is transported further via the venous blood vessel system.

Usually, the maximum amount of air is small, but this air can be absorbed by the blood and is therefore no cause for concern. Are there approx.70ml of air in the blood vessel system, all branches of the pulmonary arteries contract, thus causing a pulmonary embolism. Causes for so much air in the blood vessels are injuries, accidental intravenous administration (of e.g. an empty syringe) or surgery on the chest and/or heart.

In fat embolism, the embolus (as the name suggests) consists of fat. Typically, a fat embolus is formed in the context of fractures of long tubular bones: The bone marrow contains a lot of fat and can get into the blood vessels and be carried away as an embolus because the fat is stored together in the blood. Fat embolism can also occur as a rare complication of surgery on bones or as a result of soft tissue crushing or burns.

Typically, the fat is carried via the blood vessel system into the pulmonary arteries, where it triggers a pulmonary embolism. If parts of the fat embolus are carried into the blood vessels of the brain, a stroke is possible. In addition, fat in the blood vessels upsets the blood clotting system, small skin bleedings (petechiae) can occur or severe coagulation disorders such as consumption coagulopathy are possible.