Arterial Embolism

Arterial embolism is occlusion of an artery by an embolus (cardiac, arterial, or paradoxical), causing acute ischemia of the affected organ/limb (limb, mesenteric, cerebral, renal, or pulmonary). Treatment: emergency; anticoagulation; emergent revascularization (embolectomy/thrombolysis/thrombectomy); support end-organ function; identify/treat embolic source (AF/endocarditis/aneurysm/PFO); long-term anticoagulation; manage complications (infarction/compartment syndrome).

Common Symptoms

Sudden pain/ischemia; by site (limb/mesenteric/cerebral/renal/pulmonary); acute onset

Causes and Pathogenesis

Cardiac/arterial embolus occludes an artery, causing acute end-organ ischemia.

Treatment

Emergency anticoagulation; revascularization; support end-organ; treat source; long-term anticoagulation

Preventive Measures

Anticoagulate AF; treat endocarditis/aneurysm; close PFO when indicated.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Vascular-surgery-Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.