Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Embolism) that could possibly cause Embolism includes:
The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Embolism that are listed by the Diseases Database:
Other conditions that might have Embolism as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Embolism. Our database lists the following as having Embolism as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Embolism as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Embolism. Our database lists the following as having Embolism as a symptom of that condition:
When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react causing Embolism as a symptom.
The list below is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
Read more about medication causes of Embolism
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Embolism may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Embolism.
Pulmonary embolism generally results from dislodged thrombi originating in the leg veins. More than half of such thrombi arise in the deep veins of the legs and are usually multiple.
Other less-common sources of thrombi are the pelvic veins, renal veins, hepatic vein, right side of the heart, and upper extremities. Such thrombus formation results directly from vascular wall damage, venostasis, or hypercoagulability of the blood.
Rarely, the emboli contain air, fat, amniotic fluid, talc (from drugs intended for oral administration that are injected I.V. by addicts), or tumor cells. Thrombi may embolize spontaneously during clot dissolution or may be dislodged during trauma, sudden muscular action, or a change in peripheral blood flow.
Rarely, pulmonary infarction may evolve from pulmonary embolism, especially when pulmonary embolism occurs with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease. However, if the embolus obstructs a large vessel, bronchial circulation may provide an inadequate oxygen supply to the lung supplied by the occluded vessel.
Predisposing factors to pulmonary embolism include:
❑ long-term immobility
❑ chronic pulmonary disease
❑ heart failure or atrial fibrillation
❑ thrombophlebitis, polycythemia vera, thrombocytosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and sickle cell disease
❑ varicose veins and vascular injury
❑ recent surgery
❑ advanced age
❑ pregnancy
❑ lower-extremity fractures or surgery
❑ burns
❑ obesity
❑ malignancy
❑ use of hormonal contraceptives.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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