pulmonary embolism

If a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the leg, the blood pools and the vein becomes inflamed. In addition to the pain of phlebitis, the complications of deep vein thrombosis are feared. If parts of the blood clot detach, they can get into the lungs via the bloodstream, resulting in a so-called pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. The risk of a pulmonary embolism is greatest in the first three to five days of a thrombosis.