Radiological reasoning: pulmonary embolism--thinking beyond the clots.
OBJECTIVE
We discuss the CT findings in a case of pulmonary embolism complicated by paradoxical embolism in a patient with a patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm.


CONCLUSIONS
When confronted with a case of pulmonary embolism on CT, besides evaluating the extent of pulmonary artery occlusion, the radiologist should examine the cardiovascular system to identify any unsuspected underlying or associated conditions.
Maldjian
Pierre D
PD
Department of Radiology, University Hospital, UMDNJ-NJ Medical School, 150 Bergen St., UH C-320, Newark, NJ 07103-2406, USA. maldjipd@umdnj.edu
Anis
Ather
A
Saric
Muhamed
M
D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006325:Heart Atria; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006346:Heart Septum; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography