Patent foramen ovale as a potential cause of paradoxical embolism in the postpartum period

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1999 May;84(1):55-7. doi: 10.1016/s0301-2115(98)00253-x.

Abstract

We report a case of previously healthy woman who suffered cerebral embolism after delivery. Echocardiography with contrast medium confirmed the patent foramen ovale (PFO). PFO may be a mechanism of paradoxical embolism causing a transient ischemic attack or stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Apgar Score
  • Birth Weight
  • Echocardiography
  • Embolism, Paradoxical / drug therapy
  • Embolism, Paradoxical / etiology
  • Embolism, Paradoxical / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / physiopathology*
  • Hematocrit
  • Hemoglobins / analysis
  • Heparin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Maternal Age
  • Oligohydramnios / physiopathology
  • Oligohydramnios / therapy
  • Oxytocin / therapeutic use
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, High-Risk
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Hemoglobins
  • Oxytocin
  • Warfarin
  • Heparin