Archives of cardiovascular diseases
-
Arch Cardiovasc Dis · Oct 2008
ReviewSurgical or medical treatment for thrombus straddling the patent foramen ovale: impending paradoxical embolism? Report of four clinical cases and literature review.
Thrombus straddling the patent foramen ovale (TSFO) is a rare event. It occurs in the presence of pulmonary embolism and can be responsible for paradoxical embolism. The aim of this report is to guide the optimal choice of treatment for TSFO in different clinical contexts. ⋯ Medical treatment with heparin tends to be used as a second option in patients with more frequent comorbidities and strokes but the mortality rate is similar to that in the surgical group. Surgery seems to be justified in the prevention of paradoxical embolism. Thrombolysis is more frequently chosen in the higher risk group and is associated with the greatest mortality.
-
Arch Cardiovasc Dis · Oct 2008
Editorial CommentThe straddling atrial thrombus: from image to treatment.