Thrombosis
Thrombosis means a blood clot has formed inside a blood vessel and may reduce or block blood flow.
When to get help quickly: Thrombosis can be urgent or life-threatening when it affects the lungs, brain, bowel, or major blood vessels, or when symptoms come on suddenly.
Common symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the clot is and may include pain, swelling, warmth, shortness of breath, chest pain, or organ-specific loss of blood flow.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm whether a clot is present, how extensive it is, and whether it is affecting a vein, artery, or organ circulation.
What radiology does
Ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI may be used depending on where the clot is suspected.
What usually happens next
Management often includes blood thinners, monitoring, and sometimes urgent procedures when major vessels or organs are affected.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) TreatmentA deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a solid blood clot deep inside the muscles, usually in the leg or arm. When blood thinners aren't enough, doctors use image guidance to physically clear the blocked vein.
- Leg Venous Doppler (DVT Scan)A leg venous Doppler is the standard test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. It is quick, painless, and uses sound waves to detect clots before they become dangerous.
- MRV (MR Venography)An MRV (Magnetic Resonance Venography) is a specialized MRI scan that maps the veins of the body — most commonly the veins draining the brain. It is the test of choice for diagnosing cerebral venous thrombosis, a serious cause of severe headaches and stroke-like symptoms.