Pulmonary embolism is most commonly produced by which of the following: (A) Trauma, (B) Atherosclerosis, (C) Thrombosis of pelvic vessels, (D) None
Answer is C. When venous thrombi are dislodged from their site of formation,they embolize to the pulmonary aerial circulation producing pulmonary embolism.About one-half of patients with pelvic vein thrombosis develop pulmonary embolism.Other causes of pulmonary embolism include hip/knee surgery,trauma,pregnancy,immobility,thrombotic disorders. Reference:Harrison's medicine-18th edition,page no:2171;Davidson's medicine,22nd edition,page no:721.