A secundum atrial septal defect caused paradoxical embolism leading to fatal cerebral and pulmonary embolism in a previously healthy young male.
This case highlights the critical need for a thorough evaluation of cardiac defects, such as atrial septal defects, in patients presenting with unexplained systemic embolic events.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Export A previously healthy young male presented with right flank and scapular pain, vomiting, and mild tachycardia. His condition rapidly deteriorated to unresponsiveness, rigidity, and cardiac arrest, necessitating advanced cardiac life support. Following resuscitation, imaging revealed a right middle cerebral artery thrombus and massive pulmonary embolism. An echocardiogram identified a secundum atrial septal defect, suggesting a paradoxical embolism. This case highlights the critical need for a thorough evaluation of cardiac defects in patients with unexplained systemic embolic events.
Aboelkher et al. (Wed,) reported a other. A secundum atrial septal defect caused paradoxical embolism leading to fatal cerebral and pulmonary embolism in a previously healthy young male.