Pulmonary Thromboembolism Associated with Paradoxical Embolism in a Patient with Patent Foramen Ovale
Introduction
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a pathological condition characterized by an opening in the interatrial septum, that allows blood to flow from one atrium to the other. It is found in approximately 25% of the adult population, with no hemodynamic implications in most cases. However, due to persistence of the foramen, paradoxical embolism may occur as a cause of ischemic events; in some cases, closure of the PFO is indicated as a secondary prevention strategy for thromboembolic events.
Studies have demonstrated an association between PFO and many clinical conditions, some potentially severe, such as ischemic stroke and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
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