Paradoxic aortic arch embolization with occlusion of the supraaortic arteries.
Pulmonary embolization usually occurs when thrombotic material that originates from deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities is washed out into the pulmonary vasculature via the blood stream. However, in the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO), systemic paradoxic embolization may also occur (Am J Surg 176 (1998) 158). Here, we report on the case of a patient with a PFO, who developed paradoxic embolization of the aortic arch following deep venous thrombosis and massive pulmonary embolism.
Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30623 Hannover, Germany. walles@thg.mh-hannover.de
Thorsten
T
Walles
Stefan
S
Fischer
Martin
M
Strüber
Axel
A
Haverich
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013348:Subclavian Artery; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications