title: Stroke due to paradoxical embolism.
abstract: We present a case of stroke in a young girl, preceded by a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, both clinically asymptomatic, and accompanied by upper limb acute ischemia. Diagnosis of paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale was made on clinical grounds and with contrast echocardiography. We discuss the main points leading to diagnosis, stressing the importance of contrast echocardiography. We also suggest that paradoxical embolism could be a more frequent cause of stroke than usually suspected.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Neurologica dell'Università di Brescia.
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Frisoni
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Di Monda
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bariselli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed