Patent Foramen Ovale Closure for Splenic Infarction: An Unusual Presentation and an Unusual Indication

Abstract EN

Background.

Splenic infarction is a rare clinical condition.

It is generally attributed to hematologic, vascular, cardioembolic, and infectious diseases or trauma.

Case Presentation.

We describe a rare case in an otherwise asymptomatic 41-year-old overweight woman with acute abdominal pain.

Imaging work-up revealed splenic infarction.

Common etiologies were excluded.

A transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

The patient was sent to closure with good outcome.

Conclusion.

Paradoxical embolism due to PFO can be a cause of splenic infarction, and its investigation and subsequent closure may be considered when there are no other causative disorders.