title: Peripheral ischemia caused by paradoxical embolization: an underestimated problem?
abstract: Although a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is often found in younger patients with transient ischemic attacks or stroke, paradoxical embolization through PFO is rarely considered as a cause of acute limb ischemia. We report a single-center experience of 5 consecutive patients with limb-threatening ischemia due to paradoxical embolization within a one-year period. All patients were treated by catheter thrombectomy and long-term oral anticoagulation after surgery. The fact that the 5 embolectomies made up 10% of all embolectomies performed in our center during this time interval may indicate that the role of paradoxical embolization is still underestimated in peripheral embolic disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. beate.hugl@uibk.ac.at
authors.forename: Beate
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hugl
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Klein-Weigel
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Posch
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Greiner
authors.forename: Gustav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fraedrich
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors