Calcified obstructive disease of the aortic isthmus

O Coffin1, D Maiza, S Alsweis

  • 1Service de Chirurgie Thoracique et Cardio-Vasculaire, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Caen, France.

Insights

A large aortic thrombus, originating from an ulcerated plaque, caused significant aortic isthmus obstruction. Surgical removal led to a normal aortogram within six years, suggesting an atheromatous origin.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Aortic thrombus formation can lead to significant vascular obstruction and clinical complications.
  • Atherosclerosis is a common underlying pathology in cardiovascular diseases.
  • Understanding the etiology of aortic thrombi is crucial for effective management.

Observation:

  • A 52-year-old male presented with a large (5 cm) calcified thrombus obstructing two-thirds of the aortic isthmus lumen.
  • Intraoperative findings revealed the thrombus originated from a small (4 mm) ulcerated plaque in the aortic wall.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent surgical intervention for the aortic thrombus.
  • Post-operative aortograms performed six years after surgery showed a normal aorta.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that aortic thrombi, even large ones, can have an atheromatous origin.
  • Successful surgical management can lead to long-term normalization of aortic anatomy.
  • Atheromatous aortic plaques should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aortic thrombus formation.

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