title: Diagnosis and pathophysiology of paradoxical embolism.
abstract: Three cases of paradoxical embolism are presented. Although most systemic emboli originate in the heart, detection of other sources is aided by venography of the lower extremities, indocyanine green-dye curve studies of the inferior vena cava, obtaining right heart pressures, oximetry, and pulmonary angiography. Forty per cent of 55 patients reviewed had repeat episodes of systemic embolism and 2 of the 3 proved cases of paradoxical embolism had repeat episodes. Prolonged anticoagulant therapy may prevent recurrence.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004617:Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography