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Aortic saddle embolus presenting with transient lower extremity paresthesia.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Aortic saddle embolus can cause sudden leg numbness and walking difficulty. High suspicion is key for diagnosis, even with resolving symptoms, based on cardiac history and physical exam findings.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- A 58-year-old woman presented with acute bilateral lower-extremity numbness and ambulation issues.
- Symptoms resolved significantly by the time of emergency department presentation.
Observation:
- Physical examination revealed an absence of distal pulses in the lower extremities.
- The patient had a relevant cardiac history contributing to the diagnostic suspicion.
Findings:
- Aortic saddle embolus was suspected as the cause of the patient's neurological and vascular symptoms.
- The case highlights the importance of considering serious vascular events despite symptom resolution.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for aortic saddle embolus.
- Thorough patient history and physical examination are crucial for diagnosing rare but critical conditions like aortic saddle embolus, even with atypical presentations.