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
Correct Answer: c) Platelet defects
Explanation:
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.
Virchow is known as "the father of modern pathology" and founder of social medicine.
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Virchow’s Triad: Unraveling the Factors Behind Thrombosis
1. Endothelial Damage:
Endothelial cells line blood vessels. When injured, they expose tissue factor, initiating clot formation. Seen in atherosclerosis, sepsis, trauma.
2. Abnormal Blood Flow:
Stasis or turbulence promotes clotting. Causes include prolonged immobilization, atrial fibrillation, varicose veins.
3. Hypercoagulability:
A state of increased clotting tendency.
Causes:
• Oral contraceptives, obesity, pregnancy
• Inherited mutations (e.g. factor V Leiden)
• Smoking, malignancy
Most thrombi result from a combination of the above factors. Recognizing the triad aids in prevention and diagnosis of thromboembolic disease.