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Occluding staghorn calcification of the aortic arch and left subclavian artery: case report
J K Krabbe1, M J Hartkamp, P F van Waes
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Insights
A large, staghorn-shaped calcified thrombus was discovered in the aortic arch. This unique finding, largely detached from the vessel wall, was diagnosed using digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular medicine
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Aortic arch aneurysms and thrombi are significant clinical concerns.
- Calcified thrombi can pose diagnostic challenges due to their varied presentation.
Observation:
- A unique, exceptionally large calcified thrombus was identified within the aortic arch.
- The thrombus adopted a staghorn morphology, shaped by the aorta and extending into the left subclavian artery.
- A notable characteristic was the thrombus's partial detachment from the aortic wall.
Findings:
- Digital subtraction angiography revealed the staghorn-shaped calcification.
- Computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis and detailed the thrombus's size and relationship to the vessel wall.
- The radiological appearance and anatomical location were deemed unique.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing complex aortic pathologies.
- Understanding the morphology and characteristics of such large calcified thrombi is crucial for risk assessment.
- Further research may explore the etiological factors and clinical management strategies for similar unique aortic thrombus formations.
Abstract:
A calcified thrombus resembling a staghorn was found in the aortic arch, cast into this shape by the aorta and its branching vessel, the left subclavian, into which it projected for a short distance. Unique, in this case, is the extraordinarily large size of the calcification which was mostly free of the vessel wall, its radiological image, and its location. Digital subtraction angiography led to the diagnosis and was confirmed on computed tomography.