| Definition: | A blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, clumped tumor cells, or blood clot.
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| Alternative Names: | Venous thrombo-embolism; Lung blood clot; Fat embolus; Air embolus; Tumor embolus
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: | Pulmonary emboli are blockages of the blood vessels of the lungs (pulmonary vessels). Most often, they are caused by blood clots from the veins, especially veins in the legs or in the pelvis (hips). More rarely, air bubbles, fat droplets, amniotic fluid, or clumps of parasites or tumor cells may obstruct the pulmonary vessels. The most common cause of a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the veins of the legs, called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Many resolve on their own, though some may cause severe illness or even death. The risk factors include prolonged bed rest or inactivity (including long trips in planes, cars, or trains), oral contraceptive use, surgery (especially pelvic surgery), child birth, massive trauma, burns, cancer, stroke, heart attack, heart surgery, and fractures of the hips or femur. Persons with certain clotting disorders may also have a higher risk.
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