Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
07:44

A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism

Published on: September 6, 2024

Paradoxical coronary embolism in a young woman

Lynn D Greig, Stephen J Leslie, Martin A Denvir

    International Journal of Cardiology
    |October 20, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    A young woman experienced a heart attack due to a blocked artery, likely caused by a blood clot traveling through a heart defect called a patent foramen ovale. This highlights the importance of screening for this condition in specific heart attack cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Vascular Medicine
    • Diagnostic Imaging

    Background:

    • Myocardial infarction (heart attack) in young adults is uncommon and warrants thorough investigation into potential underlying causes beyond atherosclerosis.
    • Combined oral contraceptive use and smoking are known risk factors for cardiovascular events.
    • Coronary artery thrombus without significant atheromatous disease suggests an alternative embolic source.

    Observation:

    • A 31-year-old female smoker on oral contraceptives presented with an anterior myocardial infarction.
    • Coronary angiography revealed an isolated thrombus occluding the left anterior descending artery.
    • Saline contrast echocardiography identified a patent foramen ovale.

    Findings:

    • The patient's presentation was consistent with a paradoxical coronary artery embolism.
    • A patent foramen ovale was identified as a potential source for the paradoxical embolism.
    • The myocardial infarction was attributed to the coronary artery thrombus in the absence of significant coronary artery disease.

    Implications:

    • Contrast echocardiography should be considered in patients with coronary artery thrombus and minimal atheromatous disease to rule out a patent foramen ovale.
    • The findings suggest a potential mechanism for myocardial infarction in specific patient populations.
    • The optimal management strategy, including closure of the patent foramen ovale in this context, requires further investigation.

    Related Concept Videos

    Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

    Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

    A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
    Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

    Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

    Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
    Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

    Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

    Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
    Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

    Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

    A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
    Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

    Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

    The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
    Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

    Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

    Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...