Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a relatively uncommon anatomical variant that predisposes patients to several complications, such as atrial septal aneurysm, thromboembolism, stroke, platypnea-orthodeoxia, and paradoxical embolism. Despite this, in rare cases, PFO can be a life-saving factor. We present a 72-year-old man with a PFO and fulfilled Virchov’s triad after being stationary, dehydrated, and suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. A subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large thrombus (approx. 20 cm in length) dwelling in the PFO in between both atria. In this case, PFO effectively saved the patient from such complications as pulmonary embolism and paradoxical embolism.

Musculus psoas abscess (MPA)  is a relatively uncommon and potentially life-threatening infection. Diagnostics of MPA are challenging due to nonspecific clinical presentation and insidious onset. We present an 85-year-old patient with iliopsoas abscess and sepsis, who was admitted to an emergency department with fever, fatigue, anorexia, tenderness and limited range of motion in her right hip. Upon further diagnostics, it was discovered, that the bacterial cause of infection was Proteus mirabilis, which is a highly unusual finding. The case illustrates the difficulty of diagnosing MPA and discusses the possible origins of the primary infection.