Issue 5/2025
Garalova, M., Ivanova, S.
Acibadem City Clinic UMHAL, Cardiovascular Center – Sofia
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common finding on echocardiography. The passage of a thrombus through it in pulmonary thromboembolism is a relatively rare event. When this occurs, paradoxical embolism and death can occur. We present a clinical case of a 64-year-old man in serious condition with ultrasound data of a thrombus in the right atrium, passing through the PFO into the left atrium. A decision is made for emergency surgery. Thrombectomy of the pulmonary arteries and right atrium is performed. PFO closure. Postoperatively with excellent results, the patient was discharged within 7 days with optimal anticoagulant therapy. Surgical treatment is a long-standing method for the treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism, but its application should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team.
Key words: thrombus in transit, pulmonary thromboembolism, persistent foramen ovale
Address for correspondence:
M. Garalova
Acibadem City Clinic UMHAL Cardiovascular Center,
127 Okolovorasten pat, Sofia
tel.: 0877 250 396
e-mail: mariagaralova@abv.bg