Paradoxical embolism in morbidly obese persons.

Three cases of paradoxical embolism are reported in patients with morbid obesity. Early consideration of the possibility of paradoxical embolism allows the appropriate therapy to be instituted without delay. It appears that these patients are at increased risk for both pulmonary emboli and paradoxical emboli. The necessity of early diagnosis in the pathophysiology of paradoxical embolism is discussed.