Why is it sometimes impossible to find a cause for a pulmonary embolism? | Causes of a pulmonary embolism

Why is it sometimes impossible to find a cause for a pulmonary embolism?

The cause of a pulmonary embolism is not always an obvious thrombosis, i.e. the occlusion of a vein in a leg by a blood clot. Embolisms can also be triggered by amniotic fluid at birth. An air embolism can also be the trigger, but it is more difficult to detect, since it can only be detected by appropriate imaging, i.e. computer tomography, if it is found at all.

A pulmonary embolism is a serious clinical picture which, if not detected in time, can lead to death. Not every relative wishes an autopsy after the loss of a family member, and so the cause of the pulmonary embolism may not be found. Also, various blood tests cannot be performed after death because the characteristics of the blood change when a person has died.

There are several known causes of pulmonary embolism and usually it is a combination of different causes. In some cases, however, the person affected cannot remember other causes that in combination have been the deciding factor in pulmonary embolism, such as prolonged immobility due to sitting or lying down for long periods of time, or taking various drugs that cause the blood to clot more quickly. The presence of cancer or surgery can also lead to pulmonary embolism. However, the focus of treatment is always on the pulmonary embolism itself and not on its cause, as it is so dangerous.