[Clinical analysis of 8 cases of paradoxical embolism].
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.
Xiong
Chang-ming
CM
Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center, Cardiovascular Institute and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China.
Liu
Zhi-hong
ZH
Cheng
Xian-sheng
XS
He
Jian-guo
JG
Ni
Xin-hai
XH
Zhao
Yan-fen
YF
Gao
Ying
Y
Chen
Bai-ping
BP