Thrombus straddling the patent foramen ovale: a case report - Report - MDSpire
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Transseptal Thrombus Across a Patent Foramen Ovale: A Clinical Case Study

  • By

  • Qin Jiangyan

  • Dan Li

  • Shi Mengrong

  • Hu Zitao

  • July 7, 2026

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Clinical Report: Transseptal Thrombus Across a Patent Foramen Ovale

Background

Transseptal thrombus across a patent foramen ovale is a rare but critical finding that can indicate paradoxical embolism, which may lead to serious complications such as stroke.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • TSFO is a rare imaging finding that can indicate paradoxical embolism.
  • Contrast-enhanced CT is effective in diagnosing TSFO, as demonstrated in this case.
  • The patient experienced recurrent dyspnea and chest tightness prior to diagnosis.
  • Anticoagulation therapy was chosen as the management strategy for the patient.
  • Follow-up showed clinical recovery over a period of up to 2 years.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for TSFO in patients with unexplained acute dyspnea and a history of venous thromboembolism.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of recognizing TSFO as a potential complication of patent foramen ovale.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Case Report: Managing a patent foramen ovale complicated by severe left-sided heart failure and multiple thromboembolic events
  2. Pediatric Cardiology, 2011 -- Ischemic Stroke Resulting from Paradoxical Embolism Following a Failed Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure: A Cautionary Note
  3. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- PFO closure in ischemic stroke: insights from a single-center real-world cohort
  4. Pediatric Cardiology, 2011 -- The Importance of Thrombosis in an Intracardiac Blind Pouch Following the Fontan Procedure
  5. 2026 Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Adults - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association
  6. Patent Foramen Ovale and Stroke: A Review
  7. Thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic
  8. 2026 Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Adults - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association
  9. Patent Foramen Ovale and Stroke: A Review
  10. Thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic

Original Source(s)

Thrombus straddling the patent foramen ovale: a case report

  • by Qin Jiangyan, Dan Li, Shi Mengrong, Hu Zitao

  • July 7, 2026

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