[Arterial embolism and acute thrombosis in patients with arteriosclerosis and rheumatic heart disease]

The results of diagnosis and treatment of patients with atherosclerosis and rheumatic heart disease are reported (150 cases of embolism and 39 cases of acute thrombosis in the aorta and main arteries of the limbs). The diagnosis was late in 73.3% of the patients, for which reason 22% were admitted with the third stage of the disease. Embolectomy was performed in 111 cases, amputation of a limb without blood flow recovery in 7, and conservative treatment was conducted in 32 cases. Postoperative mortality was 13.7%, and amputation rate 12.5%. Thirteen thrombectomies and 12 reconstructive operations were performed in patients with acute aortofemoral thromboses. Improved diagnosis is expected to reduce postoperative mortality and amputation rates.