Paradoxical embolism to the left main coronary artery: visualization by transesophageal echocardiography

Paradoxical Thromboembolism/ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction via a Patent Foramen Ovale in Sub-Massive Pulmonary Embolism Following an Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis: Is It Time for a Change in the Standard of Care?

The objective of this case study is to discuss a rare case of proven paradoxical thromboembolism captured in-transit. A 23-year-old female with a diagnosis of right internal jugular deep vein thrombus who developed acute onset chest pain, dyspnea and hypotension, was selected for the study. Sub-massive PE and STEMI were diagnosed. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a left ventricular (LV) mass moving across the aortic valve. Soon after, the patient developed numbness of right extremities with non-palpable pulses. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed absent LV mass, PFO, left atrial mass entering through the PFO and emboli in bilateral pulmonary arteries. We report a case of sub-massive PE and paradoxical proven coronary and upper extremity embolism, captured in-transit, following destabilization of an UEDVT in a patient with PFO.

A case of simultaneous pulmonary embolism and acute myocardial infarction secondary to a previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale

We describe a 79-year-old male with recurrent high-grade liposarcoma who developed postoperative chest pain, dyspnea, and hypoxia suspicious for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, electrocardiogram (ECG) was suggestive of an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Heparin was initiated and emergent coronary angiography was performed, which demonstrated a "cutoff sign" in the distal left anterior descending artery (LAD) consistent with coronary embolism. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) and bilateral pulmonary emboli were subsequently identified. It was concluded that the patient had suffered an acute PE, with a portion of clot traversing the PFO and entering the LAD, resulting in a simultaneous acute ST-elevation MI. While the case described is rare, the underlying anatomical variant is common and may have practical significance. We discuss the literature regarding PFO with acute PE and paradoxical emboli.

Instant percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale in patients with acute myocardial infarction and normal coronary arteries

Two young women with angiographically normal coronary arteries suffered an acute myocardial infarction. Both were found to have a patent foramen ovale (PFO), the likely pathway of a paradoxical embolus causing the infarction. The PFOs were diagnosed and closed percutaneously with an Amplatzer PFO Occluder during the emergency coronary angiography.

Paradoxical Embolism Due to Open Foramen Ovale with Atrial Septal Aneurysm as a Cause of Myocardial Infarction in a Young Male

Paradoxical embolism is a rare cause of myocardial infarction. We present a case of a young man who was admitted to our hospital with an inferior myocardial infarction. Coronary arteriography showed a total distal occlusion of a posterolateral branch of the circumflex artery. Contrast-enhanced echocardiography showed a large atrial septal aneurysm with a patent foramen ovale and massive right-to-left shunting. No other sources of cardiac embolism could be identified. In this case, paradoxical embolism probably has resulted in myocardial infarction.

Left main coronary artery thrombus: a case series with different outcomes

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) thrombosis with acute myocardial infarction is an uncommon condition with an extremely high mortality. The small number of reported cases prevents the development of an evidence-based approach. Hence there are no clear-cut guidelines describing the best management approach for this condition. We describe our experience with six patients who presented with LMCA thrombosis and discuss the epidemiology, etiology and management options available for this high-risk subgroup.

Paradoxical coronary embolism causing non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in a case of pulmonary embolism

We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman who simultaneously suffered a pulmonary embolism and a myocardial infarction due to paradoxical coronary artery embolism. Transesophageal echocardiography with injection of agitated hydroxyethyl starch revealed a patent foramen ovale. Thrombophlebistis of the left saphenous vein with extension of thrombus into the femoral vein could be identified as the source of embolism. Paradoxical coronary embolism is an underrecognized cause of MI. Diagnosis is particularly difficult, when MI and PE coincide, because of the similarity in clinical signs and symptoms of both entities. A high level of clinical suspicion and echocardiography, especially if performed soon after presentation, can be the clue to early diagnosis of PDE.