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Floating thrombus in the proximal aortic arch.
Jong Bum Choi1, Soon Ho Choi, Nam Ho Kim
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, South Korea. jobchoi@wonkwang.ac.kr
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|March 5, 2005
Summary
A large floating thrombus in the aortic arch can cause systemic embolism. Surgical removal is a safer option than thrombolytic therapy, which risks incomplete treatment and further embolization.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
Background:
- Systemic embolism typically arises from sources like the heart or carotid arteries.
- Floating thrombus in the aortic arch is a rare but significant cause of embolic events.
Observation:
- A case is presented involving a large floating thrombus originating in the proximal aortic arch.
- The thrombus extended into the left subclavian artery and the descending aorta.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of aortic arch thrombus is a viable therapeutic strategy.
- Thrombolytic therapy poses risks of partial lysis and recurrent embolization.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering aortic arch thrombus as a source of embolism.
- Surgical management offers a definitive solution for large, mobile aortic arch thrombi.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can prevent severe embolic complications.