The occlusion of a blood vessel can manifest with a variety of symptoms, which depend on the location and type (artery or vein) of the affected vessel, among other factors. In addition, vaso-occlusion can result from several pathophysiological mechanisms, and the underlying aetiology contributes to guide management. Anticoagulant drugs are used for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseases, but at the cost of increased risk of bleeding. This delicate cost-benefit balance drives intense research into novel agents, both anticoagulants and antidotes to reverse their effects (for example, see this article in Nature Medicine).

This collection presents a selection of Primers and PrimeViews published in Nature Reviews Disease Primers on conditions that are commonly associated with vaso-occlusion, and includes an animation describing the risk factors, mechanisms and treatment of pulmonary embolism.