Arterial embolism is a sudden interruption of blood flow to an organ or body part. This is caused when the artery that supplies the blood to that organ or body part is blocked by an embolus ( blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque) that has moved in the bloodstream from its point of origin to a new location. The point of origin for the embolus can be the heart or a large blood vessel.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

An embolus is a clot (or a piece of plaque that acts in the same manner as a clot) that travels from the site where it formed to another location in the body. The embolism can lodge in an artery at the new location and block the flow of blood there. The blockage deprives the tissues in that location of its normal blood flow and oxygen (lack of blood and oxygen is called "ischemia"). This can result in damage or even death of the tissues ( necrosis ) in that organ. Arterial embolism may be caused by a single embolus or multiple emboli . Arterial emboli can affect the extremities -- especially the legs and feet. Some may involve the brain or heart, causing stroke or heart attack . Less common sites include the kidneys, gut (intestines), and the eyes. A major risk for emboli is atrial fibrillation because the blood flow through the atria can be slow enough to trigger clots to form, which can then travel (embolize). The risk of an embolism increases when factors that tend to form clots are increased. These may include injury or damage to an artery wall, hematologic (blood component) conditions associated with increased clotting (such as increased platelet count ), and other disorders. Another condition that poses a high risk for embolization (especially to the brain) is mitral stenosis. Endocarditis may also cause arterial emboli (paradoxical embolization), if a clot travels through a hole in the heart called (foramen ovale). If an embolism involves the arteries supplying blood flow to the lungs, it is called not arterial embolism, but a pulmonary embolism, and it is a different condition (i.e., clots originated in the veins, not the arteries). Endocarditis can also cause pulmonary embolism.

Signs and tests

There may be decreased or absent pulse , and/or decreased or absent blood pressure in the extremity. There may be signs of tissue necrosis or gangrene. Tests to diagnose arterial embolism or reveal the source of emboli may include:

Treatment

Arterial embolism requires prompt hospitalization for treatment. The goals of treatment are to control symptoms and to improve the interrupted blood flow to the affected area of the body. Intravenous analgesics are administered for pain control. Medications that improve blood flow by breaking up the clot are local thrombolytics (such as streptokinase). The development of new clots is prevented with anticoagulants (such as warfarin or heparin) or antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel). Surgical procedures may be appropriate for some people. These may include thromboaspiration (clot aspiration), embolectomy ( clot removal through a balloon catheter or through open surgery), angioplasty (dilatation of the artery with a balloon catheter) with or without implantation of a stent, and bypass of the blood vessel. The underlying cause of the emboli , if identified, should be treated to prevent further embolization.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome varies depending on the location of the embolism and the extent that the embolism affects blood supply to the area. Arterial embolism can be serious if not treated promptly. It may be life-threatening, with a 25 to 30% death rate. The affected area can be permanently damaged, with up to approximately 25% of cases requiring amputation of an affected extremity. Arterial emboli can recur even after successful treatment.

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms indicate you may have an arterial embolism.

Prevention

Prevention of arterial embolization begins with prevention of the source of the embolus . For example, if a high risk for embolism is identified, blood thinners (such as Coumadin) may be prescribed to prevent formation of a blood clot that could be a source of the embolism . Antiplatelet agents may also be needed. Measures to reduce atherosclerosis may reduce risk of an arterial embolus forming from a piece of atherosclerotic plaque. The risk for both atherosclerosis and clot formation/ embolism increases in persons who smoke, who are under stress, who are overweight, and who lead a sedentary life.