Pulmonary Embolism - Cause

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Pulmonary embolism is caused by a blocked artery in the lungs. The most common cause of such a blockage is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lungs, where it becomes lodged in a smaller lung artery.

Almost all blood clots that cause pulmonary embolism are formed in the deep leg veins. Clots also can form in the deep veins of the arms or pelvis.

Occasionally blood clots develop in surface veins, but these clots rarely lead to pulmonary embolism.

In rare cases, pulmonary embolism may be caused by other substances, including:

  • Small masses of infectious material.
  • Fat, which can be released into the bloodstream after some types of bone fractures, surgery, trauma, or severe burns.
  • Air bubbles from trauma, surgery, or medical procedures.
  • Amniotic fluid from normal or complicated pregnancy and childbirth (very rare).
  • Tumors caused by rapidly growing cancer cells.
  • Foreign substances—such as a catheter that can break off during a medical procedure, talc, mercury, iodine, cotton, or the growth of tapeworm larvae.
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 14, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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