My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

What causes Pulmonary Embolism?

Related Topics: Pulmonary Embolism
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

HealthwiseSUCCESS!
Healthwise
Medical Reference
A.

Pulmonary embolism is caused by a blocked artery in the lungs. The most common cause of such a blockage is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lungs, where it becomes lodged in a smaller lung artery.

Over 95% of blood clots that cause pulmonary embolism are formed in the deep leg veins.1 Clots also can form in the deep veins of the arms or pelvis.

Occasionally blood clots develop in surface veins, but these clots rarely lead to pulmonary embolism.

In rare cases, pulmonary embolism may be caused by other substances, including:2

  • Small masses of infectious material.
  • Fat, which can be released into the bloodstream after some types of bone fractures, surgery, trauma, or severe burns.
  • Air bubbles from trauma, surgery, or medical procedures.
  • Amniotic fluid from normal or complicated pregnancy and childbirth (very rare).
  • Tumors caused by rapidly growing cancer cells.
  • Foreign substances-such as a catheter that can break off during a medical procedure, talc, mercury, iodine, cotton, or the growth of tapeworm larvae.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

12 of 13 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Pulmonary Embolism-Cause
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise Healthwise This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

What is the prognosis for pulmonary embolism? Next Question