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Electrolytic Inferior Vena Cava Model EIM of Venous Thrombosis
Published on: July 12, 2011
Multiple paradoxical embolisms caused by central venous catheter thrombus passing through a patent foramen ovale: A
Jian-Duan Li1, Nian Xu1, Qiang Zhao1
1Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510235, Guangdong Province, China.
Insights
Central venous catheter (CVC) thrombus can cause paradoxical embolism (PDE) in both coronary and lower limb arteries in patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This case highlights the importance of considering CVCs as a source of multiple emboli.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Paradoxical embolism (PDE) is a rare event where a venous thrombus travels to the arterial circulation, typically through a right-to-left shunt.
- Central venous catheters (CVCs) are associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis.
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cardiac anomaly that can facilitate PDE.
Background:
To date, this is the first case of a paradoxical embolism (PDE) that concurrently manifested in the coronary and lower limb arteries and was secondary to a central venous catheter (CVC) thrombus via a patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Case Summary:
Here, we report a case of simultaneous coronary and lower limb artery embolism in a PFO patient carrier of a CVC. The patient presented to the hospital with acute chest pain and lower limb fatigue. Doppler ultrasound showed a large thrombus in the right internal jugular vein, precisely at the tip of the CVC. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the existence of a PFO, with inducible right-to-left shunting by the Valsalva maneuver. The patient was administered an extended course of anticoagulation therapy, and then the CVC was successfully removed. Percutaneous PFO closure was not undertaken. There was no recurrence during follow-up.
Conclusion:
Thus, CVC-associated thrombosis is a potential source for multiple PDE in PFO patients.
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