[Paradoxical thromboembolism (based on data from the Latvian Republic's Pathologico-anatomy Bureau for 1976 to 1983)]

Combined thromboembolism of both the greater and the lesser circulation was found in 164 cases (1.8%) among 8926 autopsies; in 9 observations (0.1%) paradoxical thromboembolism was detected. The factors responsible for this complication were as follows: advanced age, the increase of weight and thickness of the right ventricle, the increase of the ventricular index, the presence of chronic respiratory diseases with the development of pulmonary-cardiac decompensation.