J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2014 Feb;25(1):115-119.

Seizure Caused by Pulmonary Embolism: Two Cases Report and Review of the Literature

• Park DH

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is a devastating disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality, however, seizure as a presentation of pulmonary embolism is rare. We experienced two such cases of a 25- and a 59-year-old male who visited the emergency center because of new onset seizure activity with no structural lesions by MRI or CT. Despite having alert consciousness, they were found to have hypoxemia of unknown cause with EKG abnormality. Therefore, we performed bedside ultrasound and CT angiography; pulmonary embolism was then diagnosed. The patients had similar patterns-risk factors, deep vein thrombosis, abnormal EKG, hypoxemia, tachycardia, and seizure. Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is very confusing, particularly in cases presenting with seizure. Therefore, we suggest that physicians should be more aware of the importance of considering pulmonary embolism within the differential diagnosis for unexplained new onset of seizure activity.

Keyword

Pulmonary embolism; Seizure; Hypoxemia

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Anoxia
Consciousness
Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Electrocardiography
Emergencies
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Pulmonary Embolism*
Seizures*
Tachycardia
Ultrasonography
Venous Thrombosis