Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Pulmonary embolism) that could possibly cause Pulmonary embolism includes:
More causes: see full list of causes for Pulmonary embolism
The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Pulmonary embolism that are listed by the Diseases Database:
Source: Diseases DatabaseOther conditions that might have Pulmonary embolism as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Pulmonary embolism. Our database lists the following as having Pulmonary embolism as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Pulmonary embolism as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Pulmonary embolism. Our database lists the following as having Pulmonary embolism as a symptom of that condition:
The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Pulmonary embolism as a symptom.
This list 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 Pulmonary embolism
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Pulmonary embolism:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Pulmonary 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 Pulmonary 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
Blood clots appear as a result of deep vein thrombosis or other disease states.
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
"I authorize the release of any medical or other information necessary to process this claim." Do you recognize these words? You should, if...
Whenever you go to a hospital or clinic for a major procedure or diagnostic test, one of the many forms you are given to sign is an "informed...
Sexual contact can sometimes result in problems. An unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases may be some of those consequences. But by...
Stress takes its toll by making us anxious, depressed and not able to function as fully as we'd like. What many don't know is that stress can...