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A Thrombus in Transit Complicating Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Wissam Alajaji1, Jacqui MacSwords1, Sarah Eapen1
1Summa Health Heart and Vascular institute, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases Akron, Ohio.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 28, 2021
Summary
A 51-year-old man with acute pulmonary embolism had a large intracardiac thrombus. Urgent surgical thrombectomy and anticoagulation led to a good outcome for this complex case.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition.
- Intracardiac thrombus in transit poses significant embolic risk.
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) can facilitate paradoxical embolism.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male presented with symptoms of acute PE.
- Imaging revealed a large thrombus within the heart, crossing a PFO.
- The patient had no other identifiable risk factors for thrombosis.
Findings:
- The intracardiac thrombus was confirmed to be in transit across the PFO.
- The patient was initiated on anticoagulation therapy.
- Urgent surgical thrombectomy was performed to remove the intracardiac thrombus.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention for intracardiac thrombus in PE can be effective.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- This case highlights the importance of considering PFO in embolic events.
Keywords:
3-dimensional echocardiographyPE, pulmonary embolismPFO, patent foramen ovalepatent foramen ovalepulmonary embolismthrombus in transitMore Related Videos
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