Hematogenous

Hematogenous, derived from the Greek words 'haima' (blood) and 'genēs' (produced), refers to something originating in or spread through the bloodstream. This process often describes the dissemination of pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi, throughout the body, potentially leading to systemic infections or the spread of cancer cells to distant sites. The term is frequently employed in medical contexts to describe disease processes and their mechanisms of spread.

Hematogenous meaning with examples

• Infectious endocarditis, a serious heart condition, can spread via hematogenous routes, where bacteria from an initial site, like a skin infection, enter the bloodstream and colonize the heart valves. Early detection and antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications.
• Bone infections (osteomyelitis) can sometimes arise hematogenously, where bacteria circulating in the blood settle in the bone tissue. This mode of transmission is particularly common in children, often from minor injuries.
• The diagnosis confirmed the presence of hematogenous metastasis, meaning the cancerous cells had spread from the primary tumor site into the bloodstream, allowing them to establish new tumors in other organs of the body.
• A patient with pneumonia showed evidence of hematogenous dissemination, with the infecting agent detected in blood samples, indicating that the infection had spread beyond the lungs and potentially caused septicemia.