In addition to evaluating the symptoms above, the health care provider may find decreased or no blood pressure in the arm or leg.[1]
Tests to determine any underlying cause for thrombosis or embolism and to confirm presence of the obstruction may include:
Doppler ultrasound, especially duplex ultrasonography.[2] It may also involve transcranial doppler exam of arteries to the brain[2]&Echocardiography,[2] sometimes involving more specialized techniques such as Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)[2] or myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) to diagnose myocardial infarction[2]&Arteriography of the affected extremity or organ[1][2] Digital subtraction angiography is useful in individuals where administration of radiopaque contrast material must be kept to a minimum.[1]&Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)[2]&Blood tests for measuring elevated enzymes in the blood, including cardiac-specific troponin T and/or troponin I, myoglobins, and creatine kinase isoenzymes.[1] These indicate embolisation to the heart that has caused myocardial infarction. Myoglobins and creatine kinase are also elevated in the blood in embolisation in other locations.&Blood cultures may be done to identify the organism responsible for any causative infection[1]&Electrocardiography (ECG) for detecting myocardial infarction[1]&Angioscopy using a flexible fiberoptic catheter inserted directly into an artery.[1
Symptoms may begin quickly or slowly depending on the size of the embolus and how much it blocks the blood flow.[2] Symptoms of embolisation in an organ vary with the organ involved but commonly include:
Pain in the involved body part[2]&Temporarily[2] decreased organ functio
Later symptoms are closely related to infarction of the affected tissue. This may cause permanently decreased organ function.
For example, symptoms of myocardial infarction mainly include chest pain, dyspnea, diaphoresis (an excessive form of sweating), weakness, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.
Symptoms of limb infarction include coldness,[1][2] decreased or no pulse beyond the site of blockage,[1][2] pain,[1][2] muscle spasm,[2] numbness and tingling,[1][2] pallor[1][2] and muscle weakness,[1][2] possibly to the grade of paralysis[1] in the affected limb.
Commonly occluded sites[edit] => Arterial emboli often occur in the legs and feet. Some may occur in the brain, causing a stroke, or in the heart, causing a heart attack. Less common sites include the kidneys, intestines, and eyes.[2]