Pulmonary thromboembolism associated with paradoxical embolism in a patient with patent foramen ovale

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). Although paradoxical embolism is a well-documented consequence of PFO, the passage of blood clot through the PFO has been little documented in the literature. Thus, the present study aimed to report a typical case of PTE associated with paradoxical embolism probably caused by PFO. (author)