Paradoxical embolus to the brain from embolization of a carotid body tumor
- 1Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Cerebral Vascular Surgery Section, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- 3Department of Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Correspondence to Dr Joseph J Gemmete, Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, UH B1 D328, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5030, USA; gemmete{at}med.umich.edu
-
Contributors All of the authors have been personally and actively involved in the work leading to this case report and thus hold themselves jointly and individually responsible for the contents of the paper.
- Received 6 April 2011
- Revised 4 May 2011
- Accepted 24 May 2011
- Published Online First 23 June 2011
Abstract
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common heart defect in the general population. Paradoxical embolization of material through a PFO has been an identified cause of stroke. Taking measures to recognize a PFO in a patient undergoing intra-arterial particulate embolization is necessary in order to reduce the risk of stroke secondary to paradoxical embolism. We present a case of paradoxical stroke in a patient with a highly vascular head and neck tumor and an asymptomatic PFO.
Keywords:
- Carotid body tumor
- paradoxical embolus
- head and neck interventions
- aneurysm
- angiography
- arteriovenous malformation
- CT angiography
- vascular malformation
Footnotes
-
Competing interests None.
-
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
