Risk factors of pulmonary embolisma) 30 yrs female on OCP’ sb) Pregnancyc) Leg paralysisd) 50 yrs person with uncomplicated cholecystectomye) Bechet’s disease
**Core Concept**
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot (thrombus) blocking the flow of blood in the lungs. The risk factors for PE are multifactorial and can be broadly categorized into modifiable and non-modifiable factors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Among the given options, **Option A: 30 yrs female on OCP** is a risk factor for PE. This is because oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and PE. OCPs contain estrogen, which enhances the coagulability of blood and increases the risk of clot formation. This is due to the increased levels of pro-coagulant factors, such as factor II, VII, VIII, IX, and X, and decreased levels of anti-coagulant proteins, such as protein C and protein S.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option B:** Pregnancy is a risk factor for PE, but it is not the correct answer in this context. Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state due to increased levels of pro-coagulant factors and decreased levels of anti-coagulant proteins.
* **Option C:** Leg paralysis is a risk factor for DVT, but it is not a direct risk factor for PE. However, DVT can lead to PE if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs.
* **Option D:** A 50 yrs person with uncomplicated cholecystectomy is not typically considered a risk factor for PE. However, surgery, particularly abdominal surgery, can increase the risk of VTE.
* **Option E:** Bechet's disease is a form of vasculitis that can increase the risk of PE, but it is not as common as other risk factors.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
VTE is a leading cause of maternal mortality in pregnancy. Women on OCPs or with a history of VTE should be counseled about the risks and benefits of OCPs and should consider alternative methods of contraception.
**Correct Answer: A. 30 yrs female on OCP**