Floating thrombus entrapped in a patent foramen ovale complicating acute pulmonary embolism.

DESPITE medical progress in its diagnosis and treatment, acute pulmonary embolism (APE) remains an important cause of mortality, 30–35% in the absence of treatment, with delay of the diagnosis remaining the main cause of death from APE. Spiral computed tomography as well as transthoracic echocardiography and/or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) have become fast and successful examinations in the diagnostic strategy for this affliction. We report two cases of bilateral APE without hemodynamic instability but complicated by the discovery of a thrombus trapped in a patent foramen ovale (FO) and floating on both sides in the right and left atrium. We also discuss the various therapeutic modalities.