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[Atypical pulmonary embolism associated with inter-auricular communication].
Annales De L'Anesthesiologie Francaise
|July 19, 1977
Summary
A case report details a massive pulmonary embolism in a patient with an undiagnosed atrial defect. Successful treatment involved embolectomy and inferior vena cava ligation, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) can present atypically.
- Undetected atrial septal defects can complicate PE diagnosis.
Observation:
- A patient with an undetected atrial defect experienced a massive PE.
- Right heart pressures were not elevated, and the large embolus was initially well-tolerated.
Findings:
- Diagnostic angiography confirmed the massive pulmonary embolism.
- The patient underwent successful surgical intervention.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering paradoxical embolism in PE diagnosis.
- Prompt surgical treatment, including embolectomy and IVC ligation, can be life-saving.
- Highlights challenges in diagnosing PE with normal right heart pressures.