Paradoxical embolism

Paradoxical embolism

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 in the heart, typically an atrial septal defect.

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 and, normally, then to the lungs where they lodge, causing pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, 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). Also called crossed embolism.


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  • 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 and, normally, then to the lungs where they lodge. The lungs act as a filter to prevent the clots… …   Medical dictionary

  • Embolism — For other uses, see Embolism (disambiguation). Not to be confused with aneurysm. Embolism Classification and external resources ICD 10 I74, I82, O …   Wikipedia

  • 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… …   Medical dictionary

  • paradoxical — par·a·dox·i·cal .par ə däk si kəl also par·a·dox·ic sik adj not being the normal or usual kind <a paradoxical embolism> * * * para·dox·i·cal (par″ə dokґsĭ kəl) occurring at variance with the normal rule …   Medical dictionary

  • Embolism — The obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign substance or a blood clot blocking the vessel. Something travels through the bloodstream, lodges in a vessel and plugs it. Foreign substances that can cause embolism include an air bubble, amniotic… …   Medical dictionary

  • Pulmonary embolism — Classification and external resources Chest spiral CT scan with radiocontrast agent showing multiple filling defects both at the bifurcation and in the pulmonary arteries. ICD 10 …   Wikipedia

  • Cholesterol embolism — Classification and external resources ICD 9 445 DiseasesDB 2567 …   Wikipedia

  • Crossed 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 and, normally, then to the lungs where they lodge. The lungs act as a filter to prevent the clots… …   Medical dictionary

  • Atrial septal defect — PFO redirects here. For the airport, see Paphos International Airport. Atrial septal defect Classification and external resources Heart of human embryo of about thirty five days ICD 10 …   Wikipedia

  • Deep vein thrombosis — DVT redirects here. For other uses, see DVT (disambiguation). Deep vein thrombosis Classification and external resources A deep vein thrombosis in the right leg. Note the swelling and redness. ICD 10 …   Wikipedia

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