Abstract
The authors report a case of paradoxical embolism presenting with syncope and a transient cerebrovascular accident. A large thrombus was observed entrapped in the foramen ovale during transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed at transoesophageal echocardiography. Despite the recent cerebrovascular event surgery was successfully performed. This clinical situation, and a review of the literature illustrate the diagnostic value of transoesophageal echocardiography, the finding of an intra-atrial thrombus being a possible surgical indication when the clinical context is favourable.
MeSH terms
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Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
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Embolectomy
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Embolism, Paradoxical / diagnostic imaging*
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Embolism, Paradoxical / etiology
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Embolism, Paradoxical / pathology
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Embolism, Paradoxical / therapy*
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Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / complications
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Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / diagnostic imaging*
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
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Pulmonary Embolism / etiology
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Pulmonary Embolism / pathology
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Pulmonary Embolism / therapy*
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Thrombophlebitis / complications
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Thrombophlebitis / diagnosis
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Thrombophlebitis / drug therapy
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Treatment Outcome
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Vena Cava Filters