Arterial thrombosis is a medical condition in which a blood clot forms in an artery, blocking blood flow to part of the body. The pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis can be divided into three main phases: initiation, propagation, and resolution.
Initiation Phase
The initiation phase of arterial thrombosis involves three major components: endothelial damage, platelet activation, and coagulation. Endothelial damage can be caused by a variety of factors, such as mechanical injury, chemical exposure, or infection. This damage causes the endothelial cells to become leaky, allowing platelets and other blood components to pass through the vessel wall and interact with the subendothelial layer. Once this happens, platelets become activated, causing them to adhere to the vascular wall and release procoagulant substances. This leads to the activation of the coagulation cascade, resulting in the formation of a fibrin clot.
Propagation Phase
The propagation phase of arterial thrombosis occurs when the fibrin clot begins to grow in size and strength. This is due to the continued activation of platelets and the release of substances that promote clot formation. In addition, fibrin clots can become more organized and dense, leading to a stronger clot.
Resolution Phase
The resolution phase of arterial thrombosis is when the clot is gradually broken down and cleared from the affected artery. This is accomplished through the actions of fibrinolytic enzymes, which break down the fibrin in the clot. Additionally, platelets can become deactivated, allowing them to be removed from the clot. Once the clot has been cleared, the artery can resume normal blood flow.