Paradoxical brain embolism in an acute stroke

J Neurol Sci. 2007 Mar 15;254(1-2):102-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.006. Epub 2007 Feb 20.

Abstract

Paradoxical embolism to the cerebral circulation is often difficult to diagnose clinically. We report a case that illustrates the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of paradoxical embolism. An 84-year-old woman presented with bilateral hemispheric strokes. Despite the presence of atrial fibrillation, clinical suspicion of paradoxical embolism led to further investigation. An underlying lower limb deep venous thrombosis was found, lung scintigraphy showed pulmonary embolism, and a right-to-left shunt was detected using contrast-transcranial Doppler ultrasound even without the Valsalva maneuver. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed a mobile 4-cm serpiginous thrombus wedged into a patent foramen ovale, extending from the right into the left atria. Multiple imaging modalities were used, allowing rapid diagnosis of paradoxical embolism, with an underlying DVT as the mechanism of stroke. Of all the investigations, visualization with TEE proved crucial in confirming the diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Echocardiography, Doppler
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / standards*
  • Embolism, Paradoxical / etiology*
  • Embolism, Paradoxical / physiopathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / pathology
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / complications*
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism / etiology*
  • Intracranial Embolism / physiopathology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / physiopathology
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Stroke / etiology*
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications*
  • Venous Thrombosis / physiopathology