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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Plural large floating thrombi in the ascending aorta
Hisao Harada1, Takeshi Soeda2, Yuhei Saitoh2
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Matsue Red Cross Hospital, 200 Horomachi, Matsue, Shimane, 690-8506, Japan. canononef@yahoo.co.jp.
Abstract:
Floating thrombi in the ascending aorta are a very rare finding in non-aneurysmal, mildly atherosclerotic or normal aortas. We report a case of floating thrombi in a 66-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with acute chest pain and dyspnea. Enhanced computed tomography showed two large floating thrombi in the ascending aorta, type B aortic dissection, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. A temporary inferior vena cava filter was inserted and the subject underwent an emergency surgical intervention to remove both masses. His postoperative course was uneventful; the etiology of the thrombi is unknown. Lifelong anticoagulation therapy was started and the subject has been stable without recurrence for the last 2 years.
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