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Arterial embolism Circulatory system
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Arterial embolism
Symptoms: EMBOLIZATION IN AN EXTREMITY muscle pain in the extremity (see knee pain, foot pain) numbness and tingling in the extremity pale color of arm or leg decreased or absent pulse in the extremity decreased extremity temperature, the extremity feels cold to touch lack of movement of the extremity weakness of the extremity muscle spasm in the extremity body feels cool (fingers or hands) muscle function loss Symptoms may begin abruptly or slowly depending on the size of the embolus and the extent to which it blocks the blood flow. Text Continues Below Later symptoms: blisters develop easily skin erosion (ulcer) skin necrosis (skin is dark and damaged) skin falling off (sloughing) EMBOLI IN AN INTERNAL ORGAN (see complications) Symptoms of ischemia (lack of oxygen) or infarction (tissue death): varies with organ involved. There may be pain and/or temporary decreased organ function. Signs and tests: There may be decreased or absent pulse, and/or decreased or absent blood pressure in the extremity. There may be signs of tissue necrosis or gangrene. Tests to diagnose arterial embolism or reveal the source of emboli may include: a Doppler ultrasound exam of an extremity transcranial Doppler echocardiography, transthoracic transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) magnetic resonance imaging angiography of the affected extremity or organ renal arteriography extremity arteriography plethysmography a duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam of extremity Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>