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A Cerebral Tumor Embolism from Colorectal Cancer via a Patent Foramen Ovale: A Diagnosis Made by Mechanical Thrombectomy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A 56-year-old woman presented with an acute cerebral embolism. Mechanical thrombectomy retrieved a white embolus, and a pathological examination revealed a tumor fragment consistent with colorectal carcinoma. Imaging revealed no liver or lung metastases, but it identified a patent foramen ovale and pulmonary embolism, suggesting a paradoxical embolic pathway. Given the size of the tumor fragment, passage through the hepatic or pulmonary microcirculation would be difficult to explain given the size of the tumor fragment. These findings suggest venous invasion with direct entry of tumor material into the circulation, followed by right-to-left shunting, which resulted in a cerebral embolism.

Source: Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.7927-26

Authors: Yuya Kobayashi, Nobuhiko Ohashi, Yasufumi Kondo, Kanji Yamamoto, Hiroshi Suzuki, Yukiko Kusama, Yoshiki Sekijima

Institutions: Nagano Municipal Hospital, Shinshu University

Language: English

Topic: Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7221005880

FWCI:

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