What complication can arise if a clot from DVT travels to the lungs?

When a clot from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) travels to the lungs, it can lead to a pulmonary embolism. This condition occurs when a blood clot that typically forms in the deep veins of the legs or other parts of the body detaches and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. Once in the lungs, the clot can block a pulmonary artery or one of its branches, impairing blood flow and oxygen exchange.

This blockage can result in a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing (potentially with blood), and in severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure or death. Pulmonary embolism is a serious and common complication of DVT, making it essential to recognize and treat these conditions promptly to prevent the movement of clots to the pulmonary circulation.

The other options, such as cerebral embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke, represent different clinical scenarios and complications that are not directly caused by a clot traveling from a DVT to the lungs.