Paradoxical Embolic Stroke Following Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in a Hemodialysis Patient

Paradoxical embolism is a medical condition characterized by the migration of an embolus from a venous source into the systemic circulation. This occurs through a specific cardiac abnormality known as a right-to-left shunt, ultimately resulting in the possibility of arterial embolism. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common cause of intracardiac shunting. We reported a rare case of a 56-year-old man on hemodialysis with PFO and arteriovenous fistula dysfunction who suffered a paradoxical embolic ischemic stroke after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. This case emphasized the potential risk of paradoxical embolism in hemodialysis patients with vascular access problems. We aimed to highlight the importance of searching for PFO, as it may serve as a possible source of embolism in these patients.