Embolism, paradoxical: Passage of a clot (thrombus) from a vein to an artery. When clots in veins break off (embolize) , they travel first to the right side of the heart and, normally, then to the lungs where they lodge. The lungs act as a filter to prevent the clots from entering the arterial circulation. However, when there is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart (an atrial septal defect), a clot can cross from the right to the left side of the heart, then pass into the arteries as a paradoxical embolism. Once in the arterial circulation, a clot can travel to the brain, block a vessel there, and cause a stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Because of the risk of stroke from paradoxical embolism, it is usually recommended that even small atrial septal defects be repaired. Also called crossed embolism.
In 1877, Cohnheim initially described the term paradoxical embolism (PDE).
Paradoxical embolism: Passage of a clot (thrombus) from a vein to an artery. When clots in veins break off (embolize) , they travel first to the right side of the heart ...
Paradoxical Embolism. Lifestyle, fitness & health information about Paradoxical Embolism. Blood Clots & Embolism, Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and Stroke, Cardiac ...
A paradoxical embolism is a kind of stroke or other form of arterial thrombosis caused by embolism of a thrombus (blood clot) of venous origin through a lateral opening ...
Bradley A. Maron, MD; Prem S. Shekar, MD; Samuel Z. Goldhaber, MD; From the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of ...