Thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale and pulmonary embolism: A case report

Venous thromboembolism is a common vascular syndrome presenting as deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. Thrombus has the possibility of migrating into the left circulation via patent foramen ovale in certain extreme circumstances. Thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale is a direct evidence of this scenario. However, the confirmed cases of thrombus in transit are still rare.

A 32-year-old man suffered from recurrent syncope and intermittent dyspnea for 1 wk. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed a thrombus straddling the patent foramen ovale, and thrombi were also found in the bilateral pulmonary artery by computed tomography. The man underwent inferior vena cava filter placement and thrombolysis with alteplase. Echocardiography showed the absence of thrombi in both the right atrium and left atrium 2 d after hospitalization. The man was discharged to home on warfarin without any complications 2 wk later.

Scrutinizing intracardiac thrombi provides measurable value in pulmonary embolism as closure of patent foramen ovale may be considered in certain patients. Early intervention plays a critical role in thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale. A sedentary lifestyle may predispose young adults to thromboembolism, even if there are no other risk factors.