title: [Clinical analysis of 8 cases of paradoxical embolism].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the clinical features of paradoxical embolism and therefore to improve its diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case analysis and literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight cases of pulmonary embolism complicated with paradoxical embolism were diagnosed, of whom there were six men and two women (mean age, 47.6 years). Patent foramen ovale with right to left shunt was identified in only 3 cases. Cerebral embolism occurred in three patients, kidney artery embolism in 2 patients, left atrial thrombus in 1 patient, lower limb artery and aortic embolism in 1 patients respectively. The diagnosis of paradoxical embolism can only be confirmed when a venous thrombus was detected lodged at arterial-venous communication; otherwise, paradoxical embolism was considered a clinical diagnosis. Of the 8 cases, 7 were clinically diagnosed, while 1 was confirmed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Paradoxical embolism is not uncommon. The diagnosis should be considered when venous thromboembolism is complicated with systematic embolism or unknown cause of systematic embolism.
authors: Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center, Cardiovascular Institute and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China.
authors: Chang-ming
authors: CM
authors: Xiong
authors: Zhi-hong
authors: ZH
authors: Liu
authors: Xian-sheng
authors: XS
authors: Cheng
authors: Jian-guo
authors: JG
authors: He
authors: Xin-hai
authors: XH
authors: Ni
authors: Yan-fen
authors: YF
authors: Zhao
authors: Ying
authors: Y
authors: Gao
authors: Bai-ping
authors: BP
authors: Chen