Pulmonary embolism (mechanism of disease)

This is a mechanism of disease map for pulmonary embolism, covering the risk factors, pathophysiology, and manifestations of the disease.

This video was created using Google Slides.

ADDITIONAL TAGS:
Core concepts
Inflammation / cell damage
Social determinants of health
Respiratory gas regulation
Gene expression / regulation
Blood pressure physiology
Biochemistry
Pulmonary embolism
Risk factors
Risk factor pathophysiology
Disease process
Manifestation
Virchow's triad
Venous stasis
Endothelial injury
Hypercoagulable state
Factor V Leiden
Prothrombin gene mutation
inherited
Recent surgery or trauma
Immobilization
Hormone therapy
Active cancer
provoking
Obesity
Cigarette smoking
non-provoking
Generation of thrombus, typically in lower extremity proximal deep veins
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) travels to lungs
DVT occludes pulmonary arteries and/or arterioles
Low perfusion in pulmonary vasculature and parenchyma
Congestion in pulmonary vascular beds
Hypoxia induces increased pulmonary vascular resistance
↓ LV preload +
↑ RV overload:
↓ stroke volume,
↓ cardiac output
Hypotension
Activates baroreceptors → adrenergic response
Tachycardia
Lung tissue ischemia and infarction
Inflammatory mediators
Pulmonary edema
Pleuritic irritation
Pain receptors in parietal pleura transmit afferent signal via phrenic and intercostal nerves → spinal cord → spinothalamic tract → thalamus → cerebral cortex
Pleuritic chest pain
Chemo- and mechanosensory receptors lining airway activated
Mucus secretion
Efferent signals to diaphragm, pharynx, intercostal, and neck muscles
Cough
Ventilation perfusion mismatch
↓ pH,
↑ pCO2,
↓ PaO2
Hypoxemia
Peripheral sensory receptors detect hypoxia → CNS centers drive activation of respiratory system → increased work of breathing
Dyspnea
Blood flow physiology
Nervous system physiology
Cellular physiology
Signs / symptoms