Septic embolism

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

## Overview

[edit | edit source]

A septic embolism is a type of embolism that is infected with bacteria, resulting in the formation of pus. These may become dangerous if dislodged from their original location. Like other emboli, a septic embolism may be fatal.

## Pathogenesis

[edit | edit source]

Septic emboli most often originate from extrapulmonary locations which have been infected for a time. For example, a person's intravenous access site, which is used to insert intravenous drugs, may become infected. When present in great number, septic emboli can coalesce and mimick a lobar or bronchopnuemonia. The infected site, combined with various coagulants that may be generated by the bacteria or the body, may then break off and enter the circulatory system, potentially causing a clot.

## Identification

[edit | edit source]

A septic embolism can be difficult to identify, as it is often attributed to other disorders or infections of the body. As a result, it may wreak havoc with CT scans. It can also be confused with lymph nodules, considering the similarity in shape and size. However, septic emboli usually lodge in the heart valves, where there are no lymph nodes.

* v
* t
* e

Pathology of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O, 630-676)

Pregnancy with abortive outcome|

Ectopic pregnancy \- Hydatidiform mole \- Miscarriage

Oedema, proteinuria and
hypertensive disorders|

Pregnancy-induced hypertension \- Pre-eclampsia \- Eclampsia \- Gestational diabetes

Other, predominantly
related to pregnancy|

Hyperemesis gravidarum \- Gestational pemphigoid \- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Maternal care related to the
fetus and amniotic cavity and
possible delivery problems|

Polyhydramnios \- Oligohydramnios \- Chorioamnionitis \- Premature rupture of membranes \- Amniotic band syndrome \- Placenta praevia \- Braxton Hicks contractions \- Antepartum haemorrhage \- Placental abruption

Complications of
labour and delivery|

Premature birth \- Postmature birth \- Cephalopelvic disproportion \- Dystocia (Shoulder dystocia) - Fetal distress \- Vasa praevia \- Uterine rupture \- hemorrhage \- Placenta accreta \- Umbilical cord prolapse \- Amniotic fluid embolism

Maternal complications
in the weeks after childbirth|

Puerperal fever \- Peripartum cardiomyopathy \- Postpartum thyroiditis \- Galactorrhea \- Postpartum depression

Complications related to the fetus|

Fetal intervention \- Fetal surgery

Other|

Maternal death

Template:Consequences of external causes

Template:WikiDoc Sources
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template