Thrombosis: Pathogenesis and Outcomes
Start with the big picture
The Virchow triad provides a framework for understanding thrombosis: endothelial injury promotes platelet adhesion and coagulation, turbulent or static flow changes how blood cells and clotting factors interact with the vessel wall, and hypercoagulability increases the tendency to clot. The lesson distinguishes arterial and cardiac thrombi, typically platelet-rich, from venous thrombi, which are richer in fibrin and red blood cells. Lines of Zahn are alternating layers associated with thrombi formed during life. A thrombus may propagate, embolize, dissolve through fibrinolysis, or become organized, sometimes with recanalization. These outcomes help explain how clots can obstruct vessels or lead to pulmonary or systemic emboli.
What you'll learn
- Describe the three components of Virchow triad and their roles in thrombosis.
- Explain how endothelial injury and abnormal blood flow promote thrombus formation.
- Compare the typical features and settings of arterial, cardiac and venous thrombi.
- Identify Lines of Zahn and their significance as a feature of thrombi formed during life.
- Summarize the possible fates of a thrombus and related clinical consequences.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
