Intracardiac thrombosis in multiple chambers and descending aorta manifested as systemic and pulmonary thromboembolism

Echocardiography. 2005 Sep;22(8):671-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2005.40039.x.

Abstract

We report a case with multiple thrombosis that underwent sudden circulatory collapse due to acute pulmonary embolism and ischemic stroke. Further confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography, the thrombus in both atria was detected by transthoracic echocardiography. In addition, patent foramen ovale and another thrombus in the descending aorta were readily identified by transesophageal echocardiography. Aspirin was prescribed and thrombi disappeared 1 month later. Our case report suggests that patients undergoing sudden collapse with unexplained hypoxemia and new neurological deficit secondary to coexistence of pulmonary and systemic embolism should be promptly evaluated by echocardiography, especially transesophageal one, with high suspicion for paradoxical embolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography