Acute Limb Ischemia Secondary to Patent Foramen Ovale-Mediated Paradoxical Embolism: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Paradoxical embolism is the translocation of a thrombus originating in the systemic venous circulation into the arterial circulation through a cardiac defect, most commonly a patent foramen ovale (PFO). PFO exists in 15-35% of the adult population. The most common manifestation is cerebrovascular accident; acute limb ischemia is much rarer.