Paradoxical embolism
Paradoxical Embolism
Paradoxical embolism (pronounced: pærəˈdɒksɪkəl ˈɛmbəˌlɪzəm) is a rare type of embolism which is characterized by a blood clot that travels from the venous side of circulation to the arterial side, or vice versa, through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other type of cardiac shunt.
Etymology
The term "paradoxical" is derived from the Greek word "paradoxos", which means "contrary to expectation". The term "embolism" is derived from the Greek word "embolos", which means "a stopper" or "a plug". The term "paradoxical embolism" therefore refers to an unexpected blockage caused by a clot that has traveled from one side of the circulation to the other.
Related Terms
- Thrombus: A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel or within the heart.
- Embolus: A blood clot, air bubble, piece of fatty deposit, or other object that has been carried in the bloodstream to lodge in a vessel and cause an embolism.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, typically in the legs.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually due to a blood clot that has traveled from the legs or, rarely, other parts of the body.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Paradoxical embolism
- Wikipedia's article - Paradoxical embolism
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