Paradoxical Malignant Embolism, Brief Review

Abstract

During gestation period the oxygenated maternal blood is transferred to the embryo via the placenta and umbilical cord into the right atrium. It is further transferred through an interatrial shunt to the left atrium, the Foramen Ovale, and distributed to the embryonic body. The foramen is closed after the birth, but remains occasionally patent, permitting embolization through a right to left shunt. This is transferring thrombi, fat, cement and bony spikes, air, and occasionally malignant tissue. This brief review is on the malignant embolization.