What is the medical term for a blood clot in the lung?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is the correct term for a blood clot that travels to the lung and obstructs a pulmonary artery. This condition is often a result of a clot that originates in the deep veins of the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis, and can lead to significant complications, including decreased blood flow to the lungs and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening.

Understanding pulmonary embolism is crucial because it can present with various symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Diagnosis typically requires imaging studies like a CT pulmonary angiogram, and it is essential to initiate prompt treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality.

The other options refer to different medical conditions: deep vein thrombosis pertains to clots that develop in the deep veins, particularly in the legs, ischemic cerebrovascular accident refers to a stroke caused by lack of blood flow to the brain, and transient ischemic attack relates to brief episodes of neurological dysfunction due to temporary disruptions in blood flow to the brain. None of these terms accurately describes a blood clot specifically located in the lungs.