Concomitant pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction due to paradoxical embolism across a patent foramen ovale: a case report

Concomitant acute pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke due to paradoxical embolism from a patent foramen ovale: a case report

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a cause of paradoxical embolism. Although most patients with a PFO are asymptomatic, various clinical manifestations may be associated with PFO. The most important is a cryptogenic stroke. Concomitant acute pulmonary embolism (APE), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to paradoxical embolism from a PFO are extremely rare. We describe a 77-year-old woman with a past medical history of hypertension who was transferred due to a sudden onset of dyspnea followed by cardiopulmonary arrest. Based on the patient’s medical history, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, coronary angiography, and a whole-body contrasted computed tomography, we diagnosed concomitant APE, AMI and AIS caused by a paradoxical embolism from a PFO. Appropriate knowledge of the pathophysiology of this rare critical illness is important for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Concomitant acute myocardial infarction and acute pulmonary embolism caused by paradoxical embolism: a case report

Background

Due to its low incidence and diverse manifestations, paradoxical embolism (PDE) is still under-reported and is not routinely considered in differential diagnoses. Concomitant acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) caused by PDE has rarely been reported.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old woman presented with acute chest pain and difficulty with breathing. Multiple imaging modules including ECG, echocardiography, emergency cardioangiogram (CAG), and CT angiography of the pulmonary arteries showed acute occlusion of the posterolateral artery and acute PE. After coronary aspiration, no residual stenosis was observed. One month later, a bubble study showed inter-atrial communication via a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The AMI in this patient was finally attributed to PDE via the PFO. PFO closure was performed, and long-term anticoagulation was prescribed to prevent recurrent thromboembolic events.

Conclusions

PDE via PFO is a rare etiology of AMI, especially in patients with concomitant AMI and PE. Clinicians should be vigilant of this possibility and close the inter-atrial channel for secondary prevention.