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Paradoxical brain embolism in a young man: is it only a patent foramen ovale?

Lidia Wozniak1, Maksymilian Mielczarek2, Robert Sabiniewicz1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Diseases, Medical University, Gdansk, Poland.

Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska
|February 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Paradoxical embolism causing stroke in young adults often stems from a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This case highlights the rare coexistence of cardiac and pulmonary right-to-left shunts (RLS) causing TIA.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Paradoxical embolism is a significant cause of ischemic stroke in young individuals.
  • Right-to-left shunting (RLS) through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common etiology.
  • Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (PAVF) are a rare cause of RLS and paradoxical embolism.
Keywords:
Paradoxical embolismPatent foramen ovale (PFO)Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF)Right-to-left shunting (RLS)

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