Endovascular Intervention for May-Thurner Syndrome in a Pregnant Patient with a Patent Foramen Ovale and Paradoxical Embolism.

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a known structural risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and embolism. In patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO), emboli originating from the deep veins are able to paradoxically reach the systemic circulation via the PFO, consequently resulting in transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or stroke.We report the case of a 31-year-old pregnant woman, with a recent history of TIA, who presented with chronic bilateral numbness, pain, and swelling in the lower extremities. On imaging, she was found to have a PFO and MTS. Her pregnancy was subsequently terminated. This decision was made independently by the patient. Her care team did not advise her to terminate her pregnancy as there was no specific medical reason to do so. However, the patient was in significant physical pain and distress and ultimately was not comfortable continuing with the pregnancy. This highlights the complex, multifactorial decision-making process that pregnant patients with comorbid health conditions undertake. The patient then underwent transcatheter PFO closure and stents were placed bilaterally in the left and right common iliac veins. Following the stent procedure, lower extremity symptoms swiftly resolved, allowing the patient to significantly improve her ability to ambulate. There have been no signs of TIA since her procedures, and her venous symptoms have been stable.In patients with TIA or stroke from a paradoxical embolism, MTS should be considered as a potential etiology. Endovascular intervention to treat the underlying MTS should also be considered to decrease the risk of recurrent DVT and embolism.

Cardiac metastasis causes paradoxical malignant embolism.

BACKGROUND: Embolic events play an important role in clinical everyday practice. Malignant arterial embolism is a rare nevertheless often fatal entity for cardiac, cerebral or systemic ischemia, requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. CASE: This is a case report of a 65 years-old female, suffering from pulmonal adenocarcinoma, who was hospitalized due to neurological deficits caused by an acute ischemic stroke, followed by anterior myocardial infarction within 3 days. Diagnostic work-up revealed metastasis of the pulmonal adenocarcinoma in the right atrium and a patent foramen ovale. Histopathological examination of the coronary embolus verified paradoxical arterial embolism of the pulmonal adenocarcinoma into a coronary vessel and consequently cerebral arteries. CONCLUSION: The present case underlines the need for (i), consideration of malignant embolism, (ii) histopathological examination of the embolus to determine its etiology, and (iii) interdisciplinary discussion of individual therapeutic and prevention strategies in cancer patients with cerebral, cardiac or systemic embolic events.

A Thrombus on a Journey: A Massive Thrombus in Transit With Cerebral, Coronary, and Pulmonary Embolization.

Impending paradoxical embolism is a biatrial thrombus in transit across a patent foramen ovale. It constitutes a rare clinical condition, possibly associated with multiple embolization and high mortality. We report the exceptional case of a 71-year-old-man presenting a giant impending paradoxical thrombus, complicated with pulmonary, cerebral, and coronary embolization. The patient underwent urgent surgery and was finally discharged without complications.

[Thrombotic complication of severe COVID-19 pneumonia: stroke due to atypical paradoxical embolism]. / Complicación trombótica de neumonía grave por COVID-19: ictus por embolismo paradójico atípico.

INTRODUCTION: Severe infection by SARS-CoV-2 has shown to entail an increased risk of thrombotic, especially venous, events. Central venous catheters have also been associated with an increased risk of thrombotic complications. Paradoxical embolism as an aetiological mechanism of ischaemic stroke should be considered in a highly prothrombotic context, where it may be more frequent. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old woman with a central venous catheter, with a large vessel ischaemic stroke, treated with mechanical thrombectomy for an atypical paradoxical embolism while in intensive care for bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia. In the aetiological study, analysis highlighted an elevation of the D-dimer and right-left shunt with massive passage of contrast directly from the central peripheral access pathway in the left upper extremity to the left atrium in the transoesophageal echocardiogram. Thoracic tomographic angiography showed an anomalous venous structure with its origin in the subclavian vein and drainage to the segmental vein of the left upper lobe with direct emptying into the left atrium. Treatment consisted in anticoagulation until removal of the central venous catheter and simple anti-aggregating medication on discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Paradoxical embolism due to intra- or extra-cardiac shunt should be considered in patients with COVID-19, given the high associated risk of venous thromboembolism. Further studies are needed to be able to define optimal prophylactic and therapeutic management.

TITLE: Complicación trombótica de neumonía grave por COVID-19: ictus por embolismo paradójico atípico.Introducción. La infección grave por el SARS-CoV-2 ha demostrado un incremento del riesgo de fenómenos trombóticos, especialmente venosos. Los catéteres venosos centrales también se han asociado a un mayor riesgo de complicaciones trombóticas. El embolismo paradójico como mecanismo etiológico del ictus isquémico debe tenerse en cuenta en un contexto protrombótico elevado, en el que puede ser más frecuente. Caso clínico. Mujer de 40 años, portadora de un catéter venoso central, con ictus isquémico de gran vaso, tratada con trombectomía mecánica por embolismo paradójico atípico durante el ingreso en cuidados intensivos por neumonía bilateral por COVID-19. Dentro del estudio etiológico, destacaba analíticamente una elevación del dímero D y shunt derecha-izquierda con paso masivo de contraste directamente desde la vía central de acceso periférico en la extremidad superior izquierda a la aurícula izquierda en el ecocardiograma transesofágico. Una angiotomografía torácica mostró una estructura venosa anómala con origen en la vena subclavia y drenaje a la vena segmentaria del lóbulo superior izquierdo con vaciado directo a la aurícula izquierda. Se decidió anticoagulación hasta la retirada del catéter venoso central y antiagregación simple al alta. Conclusiones. El embolismo paradójico por shunt intra o extracardíaco debe considerarse en pacientes con COVID-19, dado el elevado riesgo tromboembólico venoso asociado. Para definir el manejo profiláctico y terapéutico óptimo son necesarios más estudios.

Clinical conundrum: concomitant high-risk pulmonary embolism and acute ischemic stroke.

High-risk PE can be complicated by the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which can lead to paradoxical systemic embolization, including cerebral embolism ultimately leading to acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Acute management is challenging given the competing benefits and risks of systemic thrombolysis. Herein, we aim to provide a review of clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, and treatment and outcome from the available literature, with the hopes of providing insight into treatment options. We followed the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A systematic literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE database, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for all reported cases/case series of concomitant high-risk PE and paradoxical ischemic stroke was conducted from inception to July 2019. Twenty-nine cases from 27 articles (26 single case reports, 1 case series of 3 patients) were included. There were 10 men and 19 women, ranging in age from 29 to 81 years (mean 56.1 ± 13.5 years). PFO was diagnosed in 89.7% of patients, mostly by transesophageal echocardiography. Treatment modalities included systemic thrombolysis (40%), anticoagulation alone (36%), surgical thrombectomy (16%), and percutaneous thrombectomy (8%). Overall mortality rate was 31%. Patients receiving thrombolysis and surgical thrombectomy had the most favorable outcome. Survival to discharge was 90% (9 out of 10), 100% (5 out of 5), and 50% (4 out of 8) in the systemic thrombolysis, surgical thrombectomy, and anticoagulation alone groups respectively. In the setting of combined high-risk PE and ischemic stroke, PFO can be detected in 90% of published cases. Thrombolysis and surgical thrombectomy seem to be effective management, but further studies are needed for validation.

Acute Limb Ischemia Secondary to Patent Foramen Ovale-Mediated Paradoxical Embolism: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Paradoxical embolism is the translocation of a thrombus originating in the systemic venous circulation into the arterial circulation through a cardiac defect, most commonly a patent foramen ovale (PFO). PFO exists in 15-35% of the adult population. The most common manifestation is cerebrovascular accident; acute limb ischemia is much rarer. METHODS: A 67-year-old woman with multiple confounding risk factors for hypercoagulability presented with grade IIb left lower limb ischemia secondary to thromboembolism through a previously silent PFO. Management included urgent embolectomy, prophylactic fasciotomy, postoperative anticoagulation, and PFO closure. A systematic literature review of PFO-mediated acute limb ischemia was performed to identify the patient populations most commonly affected, the anatomic distribution of emboli, and patient management. RESULTS: Forty-three reports including 51 patients with first-time PFO-mediated paradoxical embolism were identified. Fifty-one percent were men, and the average age at presentation was 54 years. Multiple limbs were affected in 14 patients (27.5%), and a propensity for the lower limbs (72%) and left-sided circulation (82%) was noted. Deep venous thromboembolism was identified in 36 patients (71%). Immediate anticoagulation was instituted in 31 patients. Embolectomy and/or fibrinolysis were performed in 45 patients (88%). CONCLUSIONS: Acute limb ischemia is a rare manifestation of PFO-mediated paradoxical embolism that requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. Middle-aged individuals appear to be more commonly affected, and acute limb ischemia most often occurs in the lower limbs and left-sided circulation, with the potential to affect multiple extremities simultaneously. Prompt identification and surgical embolectomy with prophylactic fasciotomy can facilitate successful outcomes. Perioperative management should include anticoagulation and may include workup with echocardiography, duplex ultrasound, and hypercoagulability testing.

Management and clinical outcome of concomitant pulmonary embolism and paradoxical saddle aortic arch embolism.

A 65-year-old man presented in a peri-arrest situation after collapse, he was found hypoxic with ischaemic arms. CT imaging showed massive bilateral pulmonary embolisms (PEs) and an aortic arch embolus extending from brachiocephalic trunk to left subclavian artery. Following intravenous thrombolysis, repeat imaging revealed that the aortic embolus had migrated distally into both axillary arteries and had occluded the right carotid from origin to skull base. Bilateral upper limb embolectomies were carried out from the brachial arteries together with forearm fasciotomies. Left hemianopia related to a right middle cerebral artery territory infarct was managed conservatively; forearm fasciotomy wounds were primarily closed and the patient was discharged on lifelong anticoagulation. A transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed a patent foramen ovale. This case demonstrates a very unusual presentation of concomitant PE and paradoxical saddle aortic arch embolism. A multidisciplinary approach has resulted in an excellent clinical outcome for this complex patient.

Lower limb vein thrombosis-induced pulmonary embolism and paradoxical multiple arterial embolisms: A case report with a 10-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Paradoxical embolism (PDE) refers to direct passage of venous thrombi into the arterial circulation through an arteriovenous shunt. It is well-known that the pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) can cause opening of the foramen ovale leading to paradoxical arterial embolism. Long term follow up of PDE patient over 10 years was not reported in the literature. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 57-year-old woman presented with initial symptoms of numbness/weakness and hypoxemia. Ultrasonography and pulmonary arteriography indicated pulmonary thromboembolism. DIAGNOSIS: Pulmonary embolism and paradoxical multiple arterial embolism or acute PTE concomitant with paradoxical multiple arterial embolism. INTERVENTIONS: Craniectomy and anticoagulation treatment was administered and the patient received low-dose warfarin therapy for 10 years. OUTCOMES: The patient is currently stable with no abnormalities seen in the deep veins of the bilateral lower limbs. The international normalized ratio (INR) was controlled within the range of 1.20 to 1.51. As this is a 10-year follow-up case report, the patient has responded well to the treatment and has been followed-up. The follow-up has been annual and the patient has been stable CONCLUSION:: Low intensity and persistent anticoagulation therapy can inhibit blood thrombophilia and reduce the risk of bleeding. It is noteworthy that such an approach used effectively in this patient. To best our knowledge, it is first report for long term follow up PDE patient successfully over 10 years.

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of high-risk patent foramen ovale in the elderly.

The efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter closure for preventing recurrent cerebrovascular events in elderly patients with high-risk patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains unclear, whereas in young patients, it has been shown to effectively prevent the recurrence of embolic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure in elderly patients with high-risk PFO. Between September 2012 and October 2018, 14 patients ≥ 60 years old with high-risk PFO underwent percutaneous closure to prevent recurrence of cerebrovascular events. The primary end point was recurrence of cerebrovascular events after closure in elderly patients with high-risk PFO, and the secondary end points were occurrence of device-related complications, cerebral hemorrhage, and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). The mean patient age and number of cerebrovascular events before closure were 75.2 ± 6.5 years and 1.7 ± 0.7, respectively. All procedures were successfully performed under general anesthesia by transesophageal echocardiography and using a 25-mm Amplatzer Cribriform device. No procedure-related complications occurred. Patients were followed up for a mean 2.6 ± 1.8 years. No patients experienced device-related complications or recurrent cerebrovascular events. However, one patient had AF-related device closure complications at 1 month postoperatively. In addition, other patient had a cerebral hemorrhage with unknown relationship to PFO closure 3 years postoperatively. Percutaneous closure of high-risk PFO in elderly patients may be as effective and safe as in younger patients. It is crucial to evaluate PFO morphology regardless of age in cases of paradoxical embolism.

Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Paradoxical Embolism Through a Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Paradoxical embolism due to isolated pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an uncommon cause of ischemic stroke, with the majority occurring in patients who have not yet been diagnosed with their malformation. We report a 32-year-old man who presented with an abrupt onset of right facial weakness and expressive aphasia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute infarct in the left middle cerebral artery territory and chronic infarcts in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres. A cardioembolic mechanism was initially considered in the setting of perimyocarditis diagnosed a few months earlier. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms revealed high volume right to left shunting, but no septal defects. A pulmonary AVM was confirmed with computed tomography angiography and fistualization was successfully treated with embolization. This report highlights a case of undiagnosed pulmonary AVM leading to recurrent paradoxical emboli to the brain. We review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of pulmonary AVMs in relation to stroke risk.

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale versus Medical Therapy after Cryptogenic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) with atrial septal aneurysm is suggested as an important potential source for cryptogenic strokes. Percutaneous PFO closure to reduce the recurrence of stroke compared to medical therapy has been intensely debated. The aim of this study is to assess whether PFO closure in patients with cryptogenic stroke is safe and effective compared with medical therapy. METHOD: A search of PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register from January 2000 through September 2017 for randomized controlled trails (RCT), which compared PFO closure to medical therapy in patients with cryptogenic stroke was conducted. We used the items "PFO or patent foramen ovale", "paradoxical embolism", "PFO closure" and "stroke". Data were pooled for the primary outcome measure using the random-effects model as pooled rate ratio (RR). The primary outcome was reduction in recurrent strokes. RESULT: Among 282 studies, 5 were selected. Our analysis included 3,440 patients (mean age 45 years, 55% men, mean follow-up 2.9 years), 1,829 in the PFO closure group and 1,611 in the medical therapy group. The I2 heterogeneity test was found to be 48%. A random effects model combining the results of the included studies demonstrated a statistically significant risk reduction in risk of recurrent stroke in the PFO closure group when compared with medical therapy (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.20-0.91, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Pooled data from 5 large RCTs showed that PFO closure in patients with cryptogenic stroke is safe and effective intervention for prevention of stroke recurrence compared with medical therapy.

Patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke.

The presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been found to be associated with an increased risk of cryptogenic stroke in many case-control studies. This paper reviews the current understanding of the pathophysiology and diagnosis of PFO, and therapeutic options of patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke.

Repeated Paradoxical Brain Infarctions in a Patient on Self-Managed Home Hemodialysis Using a Long-Term Indwelling Catheter.

We describe the case of a 51-year-old Japanese man with an end-stage kidney disease caused by a 30-year history of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The patient had suffered repeated bilateral multiple brain infarctions within a short period of time after the initiation of a self-managed daily home hemodialysis regimen using a long-term indwelling catheter inserted into the right atrium. Despite extensive examinations, we could not find any embolic causes except for the catheter and a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The patient had experienced repeated brain infarctions under antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies, but suffered no further brain infarctions after the removal of the catheter and the alteration of vascular access from the catheter to an arteriovenous fistula in the forearm. We speculate that the indwelling catheter-associated thrombi or air and the right-to-left shunt through the PFO may have caused the repeated paradoxical brain embolisms in this patient.

Patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke: from studies to clinical practice: Position paper of the Italian Chapter, International Society Cardiovascular Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades the interest on patent foramen ovale (PFO) as a cause of cardioembolism in cryptogenic stroke has tremendously increased, thanks to the availability of better techniques to diagnose cardiac right-to-left shunt by ultrasounds and of percutaneous means of PFO treatment with interventional techniques. Many studies have been published that have attempted to define diagnostic methodology, prognosis, and optimal treatment (pharmacological or percutaneous closure) of PFO patients with cryptogenic stroke. Unfortunately, even today, definitive evidence is still lacking, and clinical management is not consistent among cardiologists. AIMS: This review aims to evaluate the role of PFO in cryptogenic stroke, the diagnostic accuracy of transcranial Doppler, contrast transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of left-fright shunt and PFO; and discuss the indications to medical treatment and percutaneous closure of PFO. METHODS: All studies published in the literature on PFO and cryptogenic stroke are considered and discussed. RESULTS: We define an appropriate diagnostic and clinical management of PFO patients with cryptogenic stroke. CONCLUSION: After many years of interest on PFO and many concluded studies, there are still no definitive data. However, we are on good track for an appropriate management of PFO patients and cryptogenic stroke.

A patient with multiple paradoxical emboli.

We present a case report of simultaneous pulmonary emboli and paradoxical embolism to the cerebellum causing a stroke and severe ischemia to the left leg. This patient had risk factors for thromboembolic events that included autoimmune disease, cancer, and recent pelvic surgery. The presence of a perforate foramen ovale was suspected on his initial presentation and confirmed with echocardiography. For acute leg ischemia, this patient underwent emergent left common femoral embolectomy. The potential benefit of immediate anticoagulation had to be weighed against the risk of hemorrhagic transformation of his cerebellar stroke with possible compression of the fourth ventricle. In the end, full anticoagulation was delayed with interval placement of a retrievable inferior vena cava filter. This case illustrates the challenges faced in treating a patient with multiple paradoxical emboli.