Patent foramen oval: A rare case of acute ischemia of the upper limb: A case with 2 year follow-up

Abstract Introduction and importance Paradoxical emboli (PDE) represent less than 2% of all arterial emboli, that is why they are considered as a rare event. We notice that the upper limb ischemia is very exceptional as part of a paradoxical embolism. This case presentation can help in considering the diagnosis the PFO as one of the most important risk factors of paradoxical embolism. Case presentation Here, we present a rare case of a 69-year-old woman with paradoxical systemic arterial embolism, presented by an acute ischemia of the upper limb, secondary to deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the presence of patent foramen ovale, treated with long-term anticoagulation with rivaroxiban 20 mg/day, because of the mutation of the Factor II whish indicate already the anticoagulation. Discussion Echocardiographic techniques such as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), or transcranial echocardiography (TCE) are the principal tools used to detect PFO. There are no clear consensus on the treatment of PDE. Presenting symptoms largely depend upon the location of the embolus, necessitating a different approach for each patient, but There is essentially three therapeutic options: surgical embolectomy, thrombolysis, and anticoagulation. Conclusion PFO closure is, today, a standardized and safe intervention, but the indication stay individualized to each patient.