Define infarction
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "define infarction"
Definition and Insights on Infarction
Understanding Infarction: General Definition
Infarction refers to the death of tissue due to a lack of blood supply, typically caused by an obstruction such as a thrombus or embolus. This process can occur in various organs, leading to different types of infarctions, such as myocardial infarction (heart) and cerebral infarction (brain).
Cerebral Infarction: Definition and Classification
Definition of Cerebral Infarction
Cerebral infarction, commonly known as a stroke, is defined as the death of brain or retinal cells due to prolonged ischemia. This condition is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. The definition encompasses both complete and incomplete infarcts, which are characterized by pannecrosis and neuronal dropout, respectively.
Classification of Cerebral Infarction
Cerebral infarctions can be classified based on their location and the affected vascular territory. For instance, infarcts can occur in the anterior circulation, posterior circulation, or deep perforating arteries, each presenting distinct clinical features and outcomes. Additionally, specific types of cerebral infarctions include those associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage, which often result from vasospasm or aneurysm repair complications.
Myocardial Infarction: Pathophysiology and Definition
Definition of Myocardial Infarction
Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is defined as the sudden ischemic death of myocardial tissue. This condition is typically caused by the thrombotic occlusion of a coronary vessel following the rupture of a vulnerable plaque. The universal definition of MI incorporates clinical, electrocardiographic, biochemical, imaging, and pathological characteristics to diagnose the condition accurately.
Pathophysiology of Myocardial Infarction
The pathophysiology of MI involves a cascade of events starting with ischemia, leading to metabolic and ionic disturbances in the myocardium, and culminating in cardiomyocyte death. The heart's limited regenerative capacity means that the infarcted myocardium heals through scar formation, which involves an inflammatory response and subsequent tissue remodeling.
Infarction in Specific Vascular Territories
Lower Brainstem Infarction
Infarction in the lower brainstem can present in various topographical patterns, such as midlateral, dorsolateral, and paramedian infarcts. These patterns are associated with specific clinical syndromes, such as Wallenberg's syndrome, and can result from different etiopathogenic mechanisms, including atheromatosis and embolic occlusion.
Anterior Cerebral Artery Infarction
Infarction in the territory of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) is less common but can lead to significant clinical findings, including contralateral hemiparesis, urinary incontinence, and executive dysfunction. These infarcts can also present with unique symptoms such as sensory neglect and micrographia.
Infarction of Undetermined Cause
A significant proportion of infarctions are classified as of undetermined cause (IUC). These cases often lack a clear source of embolus or are not attributable to large-artery thrombosis. Continued research and classification of IUC infarctions are essential for understanding stroke subtypes and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion
Infarction, whether cerebral or myocardial, represents a critical medical condition characterized by tissue death due to ischemia. Understanding the definitions, classifications, and pathophysiological mechanisms of infarctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic