A Silent Saddle Embolism: Syncope Without Dyspnea or Chest Pain

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal diagnosis that may present without classic symptoms. We describe a rare presentation of a submassive saddle PE manifesting solely as syncope, without dyspnea or chest pain. The patient was found to have significant right ventricular dysfunction and myocardial injury with elevated troponin and was ultimately diagnosed with a large saddle PE and successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombectomy and anticoagulation. This case underscores the importance of echocardiographic RV assessment and early imaging in syncope workup to avoid delayed or missed PE diagnoses.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-10-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.94747
Primary Topic
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

A Silent Saddle Embolism: Syncope Without Dyspnea or Chest Pain

Robert D. Reid, SalilN Vaniawala, Nikhil Sikha, Anita Sikha
Cureus
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
article

A Silent Saddle Embolism: Syncope Without Dyspnea or Chest Pain

Robert D. Reid, SalilN Vaniawala, Nikhil Sikha, Anita Sikha
article en

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal diagnosis that may present without classic symptoms. We describe a rare presentation of a submassive saddle PE manifesting solely as syncope, without dyspnea or chest pain. The patient was found to have significant right ventricular dysfunction and myocardial injury with elevated troponin and was ultimately diagnosed with a large saddle PE and successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombectomy and anticoagulation. This case underscores the importance of echocardiographic RV assessment and early imaging in syncope workup to avoid delayed or missed PE diagnoses.

CureusVol. 17(10)
Trinity Health (US), University of Miami (US), Holy Cross Hospital (US), University of Fort Lauderdale (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 52%
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.