Medical Definition of Paradoxical embolism

1. Passage of a clot (thrombus) from a vein to an artery. When clots in veins break off (embolise) , they travel first to the right side of the heart and, normally, then to the lungs where they lodge. The lungs act as a filter to prevent the clots from entering the arterial circulation. However, when there is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart (an atrial septal defect), a clot can cross from the right to the left side of the heart, then pass into the arteries as a paradoxical embolism. Once in the arterial circulation, a clot can travel to the brain, block a vessel there, and cause a stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Because of the risk of stroke from paradoxical embolism, it is usually recommended that even small atrial septal defects be repaired. Also called crossed embolism. (12 Dec 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Paradoxical Embolism

parador
paradores
paradors
parados
paradoses
paradox
paradox
paradoxes
paradoxical
paradoxical
paradoxicality
paradoxically
paradoxicalness
paradoxical contraction
paradoxical diaphragm phenomenon
paradoxical embolism (current term)
paradoxical extensor reflex
paradoxical flexor reflex
paradoxical incontinence
paradoxical movement of eyelids
paradoxical patellar reflex
paradoxical pulse
paradoxical pupil
paradoxical pupillary phenomenon
paradoxical pupillary reflex
paradoxical reflex
paradoxical respiration
paradoxical sleep
paradoxical sleep
paradoxical triceps reflex

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