Pulmonary embolism complicated by patent foramen ovale and paradoxical embolization.
We present the case of a 74-year-old male with chest pain, dyspnea, and syncope secondary to an acute pulmonary embolism complicated by a patent foramen ovale with straddling thrombus and paradoxical embolization. We review the literature with specific focus on the pathogenesis and acute treatment of this life-threatening occurrence.
Mirarchi
F L
FL
Department of Emergency Medicine, Allegheny General Hospital Campus, MCP-Hahnemann University, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4772, USA.
Hecker
J
J
Kramer
C M
CM
D000368:Aged; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male