Surgical Treatment for Thrombus Straddling a Patent Foramen Ovale

Braz J Cardiovasc Surg. 2016 Sep-Oct;31(5):406-408. doi: 10.5935/1678-9741.20160082.

Abstract

We present a case of a 41-year-old female with deep vein thrombosis after abdominal surgery. The patient quickly developed severe pulmonary embolism and stroke representative of paradoxical embolism. Echocardiography showed a thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale, which was confirmed intraoperatively. An accurate diagnosis and rapid treatment decisions are crucial for preventing patient deterioration in the form of new pulmonary embolisms or stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / surgery
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / diagnostic imaging*
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / surgery
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / surgery
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Venous Thrombosis / surgery