Ischemic Stroke due to Paradoxical Embolism Arising from a Popliteal Vein Aneurysm

We present the case of a 63-year-old, right-handed man who presented to the emergency department with transitory ischemic accident (left superior extremity regressive monoplegia). Complete etiologic work-up led to the discovery of both a patent foramen ovale associated with an septum interauricular aneurysm, and of a PVA without mural thrombus. The diagnosis of brain paradoxical embolism was retained. The unique potentially embolic cause was the presence of the PVA. We decided to treat the PVA surgically to avoid a further cerebral vascular episode. Although uncommon, venous etiology must be considered for stroke.

Source: Annals of Vascular Surgery - December 20, 2013 Category: Surgery Authors: Laurent Auboire, Laura Palcau, Elise Mackowiak, Fausto Viader, Claire Le Hello, Ludovic Berger Tags: Case Report Abstracts Source Type: research