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Floating nonocclusive thrombus in the ascending aorta.
Ralf Sodian1, Matthias Bauer, Yu-Guo Weng
1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Germany. sodian@dhzb.de
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 14, 2002
Summary
A mobile thrombus near the right coronary artery ostium caused angina and dyspnea. Surgical removal of the atherosclerotic plaque and thrombus prevented potential thromboembolic events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Atherosclerosis can lead to complex cardiovascular complications.
- Floating masses in the aorta pose a significant risk of thromboembolism.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old woman presented with angina pectoris and dyspnea.
- Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a mobile thrombus distal to the right coronary ostium.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration identified a highly mobile thrombus attached to an atherosclerotic plaque.
- The lesion and thrombotic mass were successfully removed without aortic wall resection.
Implications:
- Floating aortic masses are a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention.
- Early surgical management can prevent severe thromboembolic complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction.