Thrombosis

Thrombosis, formation of a clot (thrombus) in the heart or blood vessels. It commonly occurs in the legs and is associated with varicose veins (throm-bophelotist), but is more serious if it occurs in the heart or in the brain arteries. Detachments from a thrombus in the legs may be carried to the lungs as an embolus; this may have a fatal outcome if large vessels are occluded. Treatment includes anticoagulants.