Abstract
We describe a patient with pulmonary embolism originating from right atrial thrombosis that developed at least 18 months after patent foramen ovale (PFO) device implantation. On surgical inspection, the PFO device was found to be correctly positioned, stable and well endothelialized. We then hypothesize that current smoker status, double antiplatelet regimen discontinuation and mild hyperhomocysteinaemia may have had a role in determining this severe, unexpected and late complication in this patient.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
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Cardiac Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
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Device Removal
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Echocardiography
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Female
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Foramen Ovale, Patent / pathology
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Foramen Ovale, Patent / surgery*
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Heart Diseases / complications
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Heart Diseases / etiology*
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Heart Diseases / pathology
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Heart Diseases / surgery
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Humans
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Hyperhomocysteinemia / complications
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Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
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Pulmonary Embolism / pathology
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Pulmonary Embolism / surgery
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Reoperation
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Risk Factors
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Smoking / adverse effects
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Thrombosis / complications
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Thrombosis / etiology*
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Thrombosis / pathology
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Thrombosis / surgery
Substances
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Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors