[Voluminous thrombus straddling the patent foramen oval in the setting of massive pulmonary embolism, treated successfully by surgery]

Abstract

Paradoxical embolism is rarely demonstrated, often suggested, and the diagnosis has been largely presumptive in most cases. The patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an important predisposing anatomic factor for such a complication. We describe a case where a voluminous thrombus straddling the PFO was diagnosed by echocardiography including the 3D modality, in the setting of acute massive pulmonary embolism. The treatment is not codified in this setting, and the thrombus was successfully removed by surgery, associated with PFO closure, and anticoagulation.

Keywords: Chirurgie; Echocardiography-surgery; Embolic; Embolie; Foramen oval; Foramen ovale; Thrombus; Échocardiographie.