Virchow’s triad

Q) Which of the following does not form a part of Virchow's triad?

a) Endothelial damage

b) Slow blood flow

c) Platelet defects

d) Hypercoagulable state

"More Questions on Periop Management"

c Platelet defects

Virchow triad (venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability) describes the factors contributing to venous clot formation and thromboembolism

Platelet defects are associated with arterial thrombosis and not venous

He is known as "the father of modern pathology" and as the founder of social medicine, and to his colleagues, the "Pope of medicine"

Virchow’s Triad: Unraveling the Factors Behind Thrombosis

1. Endothelial Damage:

Endothelial cells line the blood vessels, acting as a protective barrier. When these cells get roughed up (think of it as a scraped knee for your blood vessels), several things happen:

Tissue Factor Exposure: The injured endothelium exposes tissue factor, a key player in the coagulation cascade. This sets the stage for clot formation.
Risk Conditions: Conditions falling under this category include atherosclerosis (those pesky plaques in arteries) and bacterial sepsis.

2. Abnormal Blood Flow:

Imagine a lazy river instead of a swift stream. In conditions where blood flow becomes sluggish or turbulent, trouble brews:

Prolonged Immobilization: Think of long flights or bed rest. Blood pools, and platelets and coagulation factors get cozy.
Varicose Veins: These dilated, twisted veins disrupt normal flow.
Atrial Fibrillation: Chaotic heartbeats lead to stagnant blood.

3. Hypercoagulability:

This mouthful of a term refers to a state where your blood is extra “clotty.” Here’s why:

Risk Factors Galore: Oral contraceptive use, obesity, pregnancy, smoking—they all contribute.
Hereditary Thrombotic Disorders: Mutations like factor V Leiden can tip the scales toward clot formation.

Remember, most of the time, thrombi result from a combination of risk factors. But keep an eye out for red flags: young patients, unusual clot locations, or a family history of venous thrombi. And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, drop the term “Virchow’s triad” at your next medical gathering—it’s a conversation starter! 🩸🔍

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