Thromboembolus crossing patent foramen ovale: appearance in multislice computed tomography and echocardiography

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2012;18(3):256-8. doi: 10.5761/atcs.cr.11.01771.

Abstract

A 31-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to progressive dyspnea and a family history of pulmonary embolism. Multislice computed tomography depicted massive bilateral pulmonary embolism, and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a serpentine structure in both atria with the appearance of a thrombus. Furthermore, a highly mobile mass trapped in her patent foramen ovale was identified. She underwent emergency cardiac embolectomy and was discharged from our hospital with conventional anticoagulant therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures
  • Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques
  • Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Embolectomy
  • Female
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Thromboembolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thromboembolism / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticoagulants