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Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
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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.
General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|December 25, 2014
Summary
Floating thrombi in the ascending aorta are rare. This case involved a 66-year-old man with chest pain, presenting with aortic dissection, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, successfully treated with surgery and anticoagulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Floating thrombi in the ascending aorta are exceptionally rare, particularly in aortas without significant aneurysmal disease or severe atherosclerosis.
- The presence of such thrombi can pose a significant risk of thromboembolic events.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male presented with acute chest pain and dyspnea.
- Enhanced computed tomography revealed two large floating thrombi within the ascending aorta.
- Concurrent findings included type B aortic dissection, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
Findings:
- Emergency surgical intervention successfully removed the aortic thrombi.
- The patient received a temporary inferior vena cava filter placement.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the etiology of the thrombi remains undetermined.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing rare floating aortic thrombi.
- Lifelong anticoagulation therapy was initiated, leading to a stable, recurrence-free status for two years.
- Further research into the underlying causes and optimal management strategies for these enigmatic thrombi is warranted.
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