Paradoxical embolism. An old but, paradoxically, under-estimated problem.
The theoretical model of paradoxical embolism requires the presence of four parameters, namely, arterial embolism, venous thrombus, abnormal intracardiac communication and right-to-left shunt. Many aspects, however, of this well known entity are under consideration; diagnosis is often difficult to be established and the long term efficacy of preventive measures is undefined. We comment on a case report of recurrent paradoxical embolism with popliteal vein thrombosis and patent foramen ovale, and we briefly review the literature.
Georgopoulos
S E
SE
Department of Vascular Surgery, Sismanoglio Hospital, 12, Riga Fereou Street, 16674 Glyfada, Athens, Greece.
Chronopoulos
A
A
Dervisis
K I
KI
Arvanitis
D P
DP
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D017380:Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011152:Popliteal Vein; D011660:Pulmonary Heart Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D016306:Vena Cava Filters