Abstract

VELTRI, Miguel A. et al. Impending paradoxical embolism. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2006, vol.66, n.6, pp.558-560. ISSN 0025-7680.

An intracardiac thrombus traversing a patent foramen ovale is a very infrequent but potentially catastrophic complication of the thromboembolic disease. It is named "impending paradoxical embolism". We report the case of a 71 year old Caucasian male warded in ten days after a prostatectomy because of bilateral pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis was confirmed by HCT scan and the patient received anticoagulation with heparin. A transesophageal ecocardiogram disclosed a thrombus traversing foramen ovale into the left atrium. Surgical embolectomy was performed, but the patient died shortly after surgery.

Keywords : Impending paradoxical embolism; Pulmonary embolism; Patent foramen ovale; Surgical embolectomy.

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