title: A case of limb ischemia secondary to paradoxical embolism.
abstract: Paradoxical embolism is rarely considered a cause for acute limb ischemia. Although patent foramen ovales (PFOs) are often seen in young patients with stroke, clinicians may not consider evaluation for PFOs in young patients with acute peripheral ischemia. We present a 47-year-old patient presenting with lower extremity ischemia secondary to paradoxical embolism. This case highlights the importance of evaluating for paradoxical embolism in otherwise-unexplained cases of acute limb ischemia.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Marlin Wayne
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Causey
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schachter
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Niten
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D017130:Angioplasty; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003452:Cryosurgery; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D017131:Thrombectomy; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome