Impending paradoxical embolism from atrial thrombus: correct diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography and prevention by surgery.
During recovery from a posterolateral myocardial infarction, a 56 year old patient developed signs of deep vein thrombophlebitis and subsequently of pulmonary embolism. After conventional echocardiography showed masses in both atria, transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiography clearly revealed an elongated mass overriding an atrial septal defect. Impending paradoxical embolism was confirmed at surgery.
D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D004617:Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006325:Heart Atria; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000150:complications; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery