Paradoxical embolization in an adult cystic fibrosis patient

• Published in: Canadian respiratory journal Vol. 14; no. 5; pp. 293 - 294
• Main Authors: Al Lawati, Nabil M, Wilcox, Pearce
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Egypt Pulsus Group Inc 2007; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Adult; Anticoagulants - therapeutic use; Cardiac Catheterization - methods; Case Report; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Cystic Fibrosis - complications; Embolism, Paradoxical - diagnosis; Embolism, Paradoxical - drug therapy; Embolism, Paradoxical - etiology; Embolism, Paradoxical - surgery; Female; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial - complications; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial - diagnosis; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial - drug therapy; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial - surgery; Humans; Prosthesis Implantation - instrumentation; Stroke - etiology; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1198-2241; 1916-7245
• DOI: 10.1155/2007/492128

Cystic fibrosis patients with an implantable venous access device (IVAD) and a patent foramen ovale (PFO) are at an increased risk of developing paradoxical embolism. A 33-year-old patient who had a cerebrovascular accident in the above setting is described. She had been anticoagulated because she had thrombosis of the tip of the indwelling catheter, and her PFO was closed percutaneously followed by replacement of her IVAD. She made a full neurological recovery. Echocardiography and prophylactic closure of the PFO, when present, as primary prevention for paradoxical embolism may be warranted in cystic fibrosis patients before placement of an IVAD.