Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Abstract

Pulmonary and Paradoxical Embolism after Fracture of the Big Toe in a Patient with Patent Foramen Ovale

Antonio Facciorusso, Mario Stanislao, Michele A. Pacilli, Giovanni de Luca, Giuseppe Di Stolfo, Mario Fanelli and Guido Valle

The coexistence of pulmonary and paradoxical embolism is very rare. We report the case of a patient with evidence of both concomitant pulmonary and paradoxical embolism (cerebellar stroke), consequent to left foot immobilization after left big toe fracture. The patent foramen ovale and the increase in right atrium pressure due to pulmonary embolism accounted for the paradoxical embolism.