A cryptogenic pulmonary embolism: Left atrial myxoma occluding an atrial septal defect

Abstract

Acute pulmonary embolism represents a severe condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The main source of pulmonary embolism is represented by deep venous thrombosis. Less frequent causes are right-sided heart chamber clots, neoplastic emboli into the systemic veins, or the association of left atrial (LA) thrombi and atrial septal defects (ASDs). We describe a unique case of acute pulmonary embolism related to the contemporary presence of LA myxoma and ASD, with the mass behaving as an ASD occluder.