[Pulmonary embolism and cerebral stroke from paradoxical embolism in a young woman].

Abstract

We describe a case of pulmonary embolism and ischemic stroke due to paradoxical embolism in a healthy young woman taking oral contraceptives to treat an ovarian cyst. It was not possible to identify the site of the thromboembolus. Ultrasound techniques played an important role in identifying the peripheral arterial obstructions and in diagnosing acute pulmonary hypertension. Transesophageal echocardiography provided detailed information on both the morphology and the evolution of the atrial thrombus straddling the foramen ovale within the aneurysmal interatrial septum. The patient was given anticoagulant treatment, initially with heparin and subsequently with warfarin over a period of six months. Repeated ultrasound controls showed no thrombus, regression of the signs of pulmonary hypertension and, lastly unchanged systemic arterial obstruction.

• Authors: S Mandorla, M Fronticelli, M R Taliani
• Journal: Giornale italiano di cardiologia (G Ital Cardiol) Vol. 27 Issue 6 Pg. 588-92 (Jun 1997) ISSN: 0046-5968 [Print] Italy
• Vernacular Title: Embolia polmonare ed ictus cerebrale da embolia paradossa in una giovane donna.
• PMID: 9280729 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticoagulants
• Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
• Warfarin
• Heparin

Topics

• Adult
• Anticoagulants (therapeutic use)
• Cerebrovascular Disorders (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Heparin (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Ovarian Cysts (complications, drug therapy)
• Pulmonary Embolism (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Thromboembolism (complications, diagnostic imaging)
• Ultrasonography
• Warfarin (therapeutic use)