The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 22, 293-295, Copyright © 1976 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Massive pulmonary embolism permitting paradoxical systemic arterial embolism: successful surgical management
RC Shaw, PA Ludbrook, AN Weiss and CS Weldon
The case of a young woman, receiving oral contraceptives, who developed
massive pulmonary embolism producing circulatory collapse and paradoxical
arterial embolism through a patent foramen ovale is documented.. Limb
viability was threatened. Emergency management included removal of arterial
and pulmonary emboli, surgical closure of the patent foramen ovale,
inferior caval partitioning, ovarian vein ligation, and short-term
anticoagulation. Recovery was rapid and complete.