Description

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel, obstructing blood flow. It can occur in arteries or veins and is a major cause of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). 1. Types of Thrombosis A. Venous Thrombosis Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – Clot in deep veins (legs, pelvis). Pulmonary Embolism (PE) – Clot breaks off and lodges in pulmonary arteries. Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) – Rare, clot in brain veins. Portal Vein Thrombosis – Clot in liver’s portal vein (cirrhosis, malignancy). B. Arterial Thrombosis Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) – MI due to coronary artery clot. Ischemic Stroke – Clot blocks brain artery. Peripheral Artery Thrombosis – Limb ischemia (e.g., in atrial fibrillation). 2. Pathophysiology (Virchow’s Triad) Three major factors contribute to thrombosis: Endothelial Injury – Atherosclerosis, trauma, inflammation. Stasis of Blood Flow – Immobility, AF, venous insufficiency. Hypercoagulability – Genetic or acquired clotting disorders. Causes of Hypercoagulability A. Inherited (Genetic) Thrombophilia Factor V Leiden (most common, resistance to Protein C). Prothrombin G20210A mutation (↑ prothrombin levels). Protein C/S or Antithrombin deficiency (↓ natural anticoagulants). B. Acquired Risk Factors Malignancy (pancreatic, ovarian, lung cancers). Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) (lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin). Nephrotic Syndrome (loss of anticoagulant proteins). Pregnancy/Estrogen Therapy (↑ clotting factors). Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) (paradoxical thrombosis).

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