View source for Septic embolism

A '''septic embolism''' is a type of [[embolism]] that is infected with [[bacteria]], resulting in the formation of [[pus]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Elsaghir |first1=Hend |last2=Al Khalili |first2=Yasir |title=Septic Emboli |journal=StatPearls |date=2020 |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549827/ |access-date=23 February 2021 |publisher=StatPearls Publishing}}</ref> These may become dangerous if dislodged from their original location. Like other emboli, a septic embolism may be fatal.

One of the common microbes that can lead to widespread dissemination of septic emboli is ''[[Fusobacterium necrophorum]]'', a [[Gram negative]] anaerobic [[bacillus]]. [[Fusobacteriota]] are [[commensal organism]]s in the oral cavity. ''F. necrophorum'' and'' [[F. nucleatum]]'' are the most important among the non-spore forming [[Anaerobic organism|anaerobic]] bacilli in causing human infections.'' F. necroporum'' may occasionally cause [[septicaemia]] with metastatic abscesses ([[Lemierre's syndrome]]).{{cn|date=February 2021}}

==Pathogenesis==
Septic emboli most often originate from [[Pulmonary|extrapulmonary]] locations which have been infected for a period of time. For example, a person's intravenous access site, which is used to insert [[intravenous drug]]s, may become infected. When present in great number, septic emboli can coalesce and mimick a lobar or bronchopneumonia. The infected site, combined with various [[coagulation|coagulants]] that may be generated by the bacteria or the body, may then break off and enter the [[circulatory system]], potentially causing a [[clot]].{{cn|date=February 2021}}

==Diagnosis==
A septic embolism can be difficult to identify, as it is often attributed to other disorders or infections of the body. As a result, it may wreak havoc with [[CT scan]]s. It can also be confused with [[lymph node|lymph nodules]], considering the similarity in shape and size. However, septic emboli usually lodge in the [[heart valve]]s, where there are no lymph nodes.{{cn|date=February 2021}}

==See also==
* [[Arterial embolism]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Pathology of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium}}
{{Consequences of external causes}}

[[Category:Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries]]