Paradoxical embolism
3583263
214782373
2008-05-25T06:51:55Z
Dangles1989
7145588
Revert last edit because it is plagiarised from http://www.emedicine.com/med/byname/Paradoxical-Embolism.htm
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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[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Neurology]]