PE is a type of: September 2010
## Core Concept
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a type of cardiovascular disease characterized by the blockage of one or more pulmonary arteries by a thrombus (blood clot), which can lead to acute right heart failure and even death. This condition is often associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The underlying principle here relates to the classification of cardiovascular diseases.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is classified as an **thromboembolic disorder**. This classification is due to its pathophysiology, where a thrombus (clot) dislodges from its site of formation (often in the deep veins of the legs) and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in one of the pulmonary arteries, causing an embolism. This process involves the abnormal formation of a blood clot (thrombosis) and its subsequent migration and lodging in a different location (embolism).
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because while PE involves abnormalities in coagulation, it is not merely classified under coagulopathy. Coagulopathy refers to a condition characterized by the blood's decreased ability to form clots, which is the opposite of what occurs in PE.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect because atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. This process is different from the acute blockage seen in PE.
- **Option C:** This option might seem plausible because vasculitis involves inflammation of the blood vessels. However, PE is not primarily caused by inflammation of the vessels but by a physical blockage due to a clot.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key clinical pearl is that pulmonary embolism often presents with sudden onset dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and can be associated with syncope or even sudden death. A high-yield fact for exams is that the most common source of a pulmonary embolus is a **deep vein thrombosis (DVT)**, especially in the lower extremities.
## Correct Answer Line
**Correct Answer: D. thromboembolic disorder**