Miraculous life-saving role of patent foramen ovale: a case report

Abstract

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a relatively uncommon anatomical variant that predisposes patients to several complications, such as atrial septal aneurysm, thromboembolism, stroke, platypnea-orthodeoxia, and paradoxical embolism. Despite this, in rare cases, PFO can be a life-saving factor. We present a 72-year-old man with a PFO and fulfilled Virchov’s triad after being stationary, dehydrated, and suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. A subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large thrombus (approx. 20 cm in length) dwelling in the PFO in between both atria. In this case, PFO effectively saved the patient from such complications as pulmonary embolism and paradoxical embolism.