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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Rep 2015; 04(01): 044-045
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559828
Case Report: Cardiac
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Large Biatrial Thrombembolus Caught in Transit across a Patent Foramen Ovale

Andreas Schaefer
1   Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
,
Hendrik Treede
1   Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
,
Hermann Reichenspurner
1   Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
,
Lenard Conradi
1   Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

09 May 2015

18 June 2015

Publication Date:
20 August 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Background In rare cases of pulmonary embolism, large thrombemboli have been found entrapped in a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Case Description A patient was referred to our center with leg swelling and dyspnea. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia and right axis deviation. Echocardiography revealed a highly mobile biatrial thrombus entrapped in a PFO extending to both tricuspid and mitral valves and prolapsing into the left ventricle. Urgent surgery for cardiac thrombectomy and PFO closure was performed. Intraoperatively, massive coherent thrombus material was extracted.

Conclusion Because of a lack of data, decision making has to rely on clinical judgment rather than evidence.

Keywords

cardiovascular surgery - congenital heart disease - echocardiography - heart valve surgery - pulmonary embolism
 

  • Reference

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