title: Screening for patent foramen ovale and prevention of paradoxical embolus.
abstract: Paradoxic embolus is uncommon. Definite diagnosis requires demonstration of thrombus astride a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a patient presenting cerebral or peripheral arterial embolism. With current echocardiography techniques, it is now possible to identify subjects with a PFO at risk for paradoxal embolism, however, the possibility of screening rekindles debate on prophylaxis and treatment. In the present report, we describe a case involving a woman who presented acute ischemia of the lower extremities with all the pathophysiologic features of paradoxical arterial embolism.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Montessuit
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pretre
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bruschweiler
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Faidutti
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply