A case of paradoxical air embolism in the coronary artery through a patent foramen ovale demonstrated by coronary CT angiography

Clin Imaging. 2013 Jan-Feb;37(1):167-9. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2012.04.001. Epub 2012 Jun 8.

Abstract

We present a case of paradoxical air embolism (PAE) in the distal right coronary artery identified by coronary CT angiography. The underlying cause of PAE in the distal right coronary artery was a patent foramen ovale because the typical CT findings of a patent foramen ovale (i.e., combination of findings of the presence of a slit-like contrast column in the interatrial septum and a contrast jet through the septum) were identified by coronary CT angiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Coronary Angiography / methods*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Embolism, Air / diagnostic imaging*
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / complications*
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods