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Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
Giant floating thrombus localized in the ascending aorta
Mahmut Akyildiz1, Yilmaz Zorman, Tamer Aksoy
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Heart Surgery Forum
|June 11, 2010
Summary
A large aortic mass caused a cerebrovascular accident in a 32-year-old male. Surgical removal confirmed the mass as the cause of neurologic deficits, though its origin remains uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) can arise from various embolic sources.
- Aortic masses, though rare, are a potential cause of embolic events leading to stroke.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male presented with symptoms of a CVA, specifically dysarthria.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a mobile mass in the ascending aorta.
- Multislice computed tomography confirmed the aortic mass, measuring 7.7 x 1.0 x 1.5 cm, near the right coronary ostium.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention was performed due to the mass's location and embolic potential.
- Histopathological analysis of the resected pedunculated, fragile mass identified it as the source of the patient's neurologic symptoms.
- The underlying etiology of the aortic mass could not be definitively determined.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering aortic masses in the differential diagnosis of embolic stroke, even in young patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for preventing further embolic events.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the etiology of such aortic masses.
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