Paradoxical embolism of a shotgun pellet.

Ikonomidis, J S; Nisco, S J; Liang, D H; Robbins, R C · Ann Thorac Surg · 1998

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Paradoxical embolism of a projectile from the venous to arterial system is a rare occurrence, which can cause diagnostic confusion. We present a case of venous embolism of a shotgun pellet from the left upper extremity to the noncoronary sinus of the aortic valve across a secundum-type atrial septal defect. Prevention of distal embolism of the pellet was presumably a result of its containment by flow vortices created within the sinuses of Valsalva.

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