Etymed
embolism
Definition
A condition in which a blood clot, fat, air bubble, or other foreign material (embolus) blocks a blood vessel
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath after a long flight. He has a history of deep vein thrombosis and is currently on anticoagulation therapy. Physical examination reveals tachypnea and pleural friction rub. Chest X-ray shows infiltrates with no cardiomegaly. The most likely diagnosis is pulmonary embolism from a thromboembolic source.
Mnemonic
EMBOLISM - Emboli, Blood, Obstruction, Massive, Life, Involves, Serious, Mortality