General Medical Information

Embolism

Frank E. Lucente
Samir Shah
Roger Kula

Embolism often is sudden in onset, accounts for about one third of CVAs, and is the most likely form of CVA to resolve. Among 10% of patients who have strokes, atheromatous plaques are found in the proximal arterial system (carotid or vertebral basilar arteries). Atrial fibrillation or flutter and paradoxical emboli are recognized cardiovascular contributing factors. Embolism among younger patients often is associated with valvulitis or acute infection of the throat or teeth. The history includes fever, malaise, weight loss, and joint pain. There often is a sudden onset of lethargy or coma and a cardiac murmur. Petechiae and hematuria may exist.