Possible paradoxical embolism as a rare cause for an acute myocardial infarction.
Paradoxical embolus is a rare entity and it has been incriminated as a cause of both cryptogenic strokes and myocardial infarctions (MI). Herein, we present a case of a patient diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism 1 week prior who now presented with an acute MI. Subsequent evaluation revealed a patent foramen ovale and a large thrombus in the right pulmonary artery. It was presumed that the etiology of her infarct was due to paradoxical embolus. The management of the patient is discussed and the literature is reviewed.
Rovner
Aleksandr
A
Department of Cardiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. arovner@im.wustl.edu
Valika
Ali A
AA
Kovacs
Attila
A
Kates
Andrew M
AM