Paradoxical embolization via a patent foramen ovale following acute pulmonary embolism.
The foramen ovale is usually obliterated following establishment of the adult circulation but remains patent in 25% of individuals. This potential communication between the venous and arterial circulations can allow thromboembolic material to bypass the lungs and enter the systemic circulation. We report two cases of paradoxical embolization through a patent foramen ovale following acute large pulmonary embolism (PE) and discuss the factors that predispose to paradoxical embolization following PE.
Thomas
D V
DV
Department of Radiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
Bynevelt
M
M
Price
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed