Emerg Med J. 2007 Jun;24(6):441.
Paradoxical embolus illustrating speed of action of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in massive pulmonary embolism.
A case of a patient who presented with massive pulmonary embolism (PE) requiring thrombolysis with alteplase is reported. The subsequent presence of a patent foramen ovale and paradoxical embolism clinically demonstrated the speed of action of the recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The advantage of this class of medication when considering the treatment options for a PE in an acute setting is highlighted.
(A) CT contrast scan showing a thrombus occluding the pulmonary artery (white arrow). (B) CT contrast scan showing patent foramen ovale (black arrow).
Emerg Med J. 2007 Jun;24(6):441-441.