AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF SIMULTANEOUS BILATERAL POPLITEAL ARTERY EMBOLISM - A CASE-REPORT

We present what we believe is the first case in the literature of carc inoma of the lung presenting de novo as an intracardiac mass with bila teral, simultaneous popliteal artery embolization. Arterial thromboemb olism of cardiac origin and in situ thrombosis of a preexisting athero sclerotic lesion or aneurysm account for the majority of cases of acut e lower extremity ischemia. Less common causes include trauma, aortic dissection, venous ischemia, and foreign body or tissue embolization. Although the history, physical examination, and electrocardiographic f indings may provide a likely explanation in many cases, noninvasive st udies such as echocardiography may help further elucidate the embolic source.