Recurrent embolism caused by floating thrombus in the thoracic aorta

Acute limb ischemia caused by floating thrombus in the aorta: a case report and literature review

This report presents a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and COVID-19 infection one month earlier who experienced embolic episodes resulting in acute lower-limb ischemia from an unusual source. The blood flow was successfully restored by femoropopliteal thromboembolectomy. In determining the source of the embolism, the patient underwent electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, and aortic CTA. The latter revealed a large, pedunculated, and mobile thrombus arising from the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta. Considering the patient's general health condition, we performed anticoagulation of the floating thrombus in the aortic lumen. The mechanism of aortic floating thrombosis exhibits considerable complexity. There are no standardized treatment protocols or clinical guidelines, and its treatment mainly includes open surgery, aortic endoluminal stent -graft insertion and pharmacological anticoagulation. Treatment strategy should be based on the cause of the disease and the patient's physical condition.

Symptomatic Aortic Mural Thrombus Treatment and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

To report results achieved in treatment of symptomatic aortic mural thrombus in a single institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of data about 97 patients presenting with acute onset lower limb ischemia (Rutherford stage II-III), upper limb ischemia, and mesenteric ischemia surgically treated between January 2011 and December 2018 in the Vascular and Endovascular Unit of Foch Hospital (Suresnes, France) was conducted. Only patients affected with primary aortic mural thrombus (PAMT) as source of embolism were included.

RESULTS

A total of 9 patients (mean age 51 years, range 28-69; 55.5%, n 5 men and 44.5% n 4 women) were affected with PAMT. Three (33.3%) patients presented a concomitant renal embolism (22.2% of acute renal failure). Thrombus was located at the level of thoracic aorta (4 patients), visceral aorta (2 patients), or infrarenal aorta (3 patients). PAMT was sessile or pedunculated in 5 (55.5%) and 4 (44.4%) patients, respectively. Treatment consisted of anticoagulation in all patients in association with surgical exclusion of the PAMT, distal thrombectomy alone, or in addition to distal bypass. At a median follow-up of 22 months (range 1-57 months) no patients died, 4 patients (44.4%) recovered well, and 5 patients (55.5%) experienced recurrence/thrombus persistency and needed secondary interventions. The best results and absence of recurrences were achieved in patients undergoing immediate exclusion of the PAMT.

CONCLUSIONS

PAMT is an uncommon source of embolism, and no guidelines are at disposal in its management. An aggressive approach with anticoagulation and exclusion of thrombus seems to be efficacious in preventing recurrences limiting complications and optimizing outcomes.

Peripherally Embolizing Aortic Thrombus: The Work-Up, Management, and Outcome of Primary Aortic Thrombus

Background

Primary aortic thrombus is an uncommon entity and not frequently reported in the literature. Herein, we discuss the presentation and management of a patient with a primary thoracic mural thrombus.

Case Summary

A 46-year-old female with past medical history of tobacco dependence presented for low-grade fever and sudden onset, severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain with associated nausea and vomiting. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an intraluminal polypoid filling defect arising from the isthmus of the aorta projecting into the proximal descending aorta and findings consistent with infarction of the spleen and right kidney. Infectious, autoimmune, hematologic, and oncologic work-up were all unyielding. The patient was started on heparin and later transitioned to apixaban 5 mg twice a day and 81 mg of aspirin daily. She was also counseled regarding smoking cessation. Two months follow-up CT revealed resolution of the thrombus. Patient had no further thromboembolic complications.

Discussion

We present a unique case of primary aortic thrombus. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case managed successfully with a NOAC. This diagnosis is one of exclusion and through work-up should be completed. Our aim is to raise awareness of this condition and successful management with apixaban in low-risk patients.

Initial and intermediate-term treatment of the phantom thrombus (primary non-occlusive mural thrombus on normal arteries)

An embolic event originating from thrombus on an otherwise un-diseased or minimally diseased proximal artery (Phantom Thrombus) is a rare but significant clinical challenge. All patients from a single center with an imaging defined luminal thrombus with a focal mural attachment site on an artery were evaluated retrospectively. We excluded all patients with underlying anatomic abnormalities of the vessel at the attachment site. Six patients with a mean age of 62.5 years were identified over a 2.5-year period. All patients had completed treatment for or had a current diagnosis of malignancy and none were on antiplatelets or other anticoagulants. Four thrombi originated in the aorta proximal to the renal arteries and one originated distal. One thrombus was found in the common carotid artery and one was in an arterialized vein graft. Mean follow-up was 22 months. None of the patients underwent removal or exclusion of the embolic source. With systemic anticoagulation, four of the phantom thrombi were resolved on imaging within 8 weeks, one resolved after 72 weeks. One phantom thrombus reoccurred after 6 months on reduced anticoagulant dosing. There was one acute and one death in follow-up (26 months). One patient required a partial foot amputation secondary to tissue necrosis from the initial thromboembolic event. Arterial thrombi forming on otherwise normal vessels are a distinct clinical entity. In patients with a phantom thrombus, a strategy of therapeutic anticoagulation for management of the embolic source seems to be safe and effective over both the short and intermediate-term.

A Unique Case of Aortic Thrombosis With Elevated Lipoprotein(a)

Aortic thrombosis is a rare condition that can be caused by atherosclerosis, aneurysms, thrombophilia, vasculitis, trauma, and malignancy. Symptoms vary based on thrombus size and site of embolization. It can lead to devastating complications including acute limb ischemia, myocardial infarction, stroke, and other target organ ischemia. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, imaging findings, and relevant laboratory work-up. Although not well defined, management for aortic thrombosis includes surgical intervention, such as thromboembolectomy, and conservative measures, such as anticoagulation. Here, we present a unique case of aortic thrombosis causing acute lower limb ischemia with elevated lipoprotein(a) and other comorbidities. Based on our literature review, our article is the first to establish the connection between elevated lipoprotein(a) and aortic thrombosis in the nonaneurysmal aorta.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for thoracic aortic mobile thrombus

Thoracic aortic mobile thrombus is a rare and significant source of peripheral, visceral, as well as cerebral emboli. A 51-year-old female with a history of emergency left brachial artery embolectomy 5 months previously was referred to our unit for evaluation of a mobile thrombus in the descending thoracic aorta. We describe the successful primary treatment of a symptomatic mobile thrombus in the thoracic aorta by using a stent graft.

In situ aortic thrombosis secondary to intra-abdominal abscess

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic mural thrombus is uncommon in the absence of aneurysm or atherosclerosis.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 46-year-old man who presented to our institution with perforated appendicitis for which he initially declined surgery. Four days after admission he ultimately consented to appendectomy and abdominal washout. Follow-up imaging to evaluate for intra-abdominal abscess revealed mural thrombus of the infra-renal abdominal aorta extending into the left iliac artery. This thrombus was not present on the admission CT scan. The patient had no clinical signs of limb ischemia. Conservative treatment with therapeutic anticoagulation resulted in resolution of the thrombus.

CONCLUSIONS

While portal, mesenteric, and major retroperitoneal venous thrombosis are well associated with major intra-abdominal infection and inflammatory bowel disease, aorto-iliac arterial thrombus formation in the absence of associated aneurysm, atherosclerosis or embolic source is exceedingly rare. We are unaware of other reports of in-situ aorto-iliac arterial thrombus formation secondary to perforated appendicitis.

Ischemic bowel due to embolization from an isolated mobile thrombus of the ascending aorta: a case report and review of the literature

Aortic thrombi are commonly present in atherosclerotic and aneurysmatic aortas. Thrombus formation in an aorta with or focal atherosclerosis in a patient without risk factors is rare. A 63-year-old woman with dementia and hypothyroidism presented with hypotension and respiratory distress. Work-up revealed leukocytosis, sinus tachycardia, and proximal small bowel obstruction. At emergent laparotomy, a superior mesenteric artery thomboembolus was identified with necrosis of surrounding bowel. The patient expired on hospital day five. Autopsy revealed a 1.4 cm thrombus overlying an isolated atherosclerotic plaque in the ascending aorta and infarctions of the spleen, liver, and right kidney as well as occlusive thromboembolism of the superior mesenteric artery. This case report illustrates lethal complications from an unsuspected aortic thrombus. Work-up for patients presenting with signs of peripheral embolization, or in this case, necrotic bowel, should include the aorta as a source of embolic thrombi.

Transesophageal Echocardiography–Guided Aortic Thrombectomy in a Patient With a Mobile Thoracic Aortic Thrombus

Thoracic aortic thrombi are a well-known cause of distal embolic phenomena. There is a paucity of case reports because of the rarity of this condition, and thus clear management guidelines are lacking. The authors present a case of a mobile thoracic aortic thrombus managed by a surgical approach. This report demonstrates how intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) proved to be critical in guiding surgical management. The utility of TEE in the diagnosis and management of aortic thrombi is also discussed. In addition, currently reported management strategies for this complex condition are reviewed.

Successful hybrid operation of an acute mobile thrombus in the abdominal aorta induced by chemotherapy

Acute mobile thrombus of the abdominal aorta after chemotherapy is a very unusual finding, which can be a potential source of arterial embolism. We report here on a case of an acute mobile aortic thrombus with renal infarction. We successfully treated the patient with hybrid operation-open surgical and endovascular approach. Our case shows that hybrid treatment using wire-directed balloon catheter thrombectomy is a feasible, minimally-invasive treatment for a mobile aortic thrombus.

Symptomatic Thoracic Aorta Mural Thrombus

Cases of mural aortic arch thromboses are generally associated with diffuse atherosclerosis of the aortic arch and have primarily been detected in elderly patients. However, the presence of mural thrombi in the aortic arch in young patients without diffuse atherosclerosis has rarely been reported. We describe a case of a hypercoagulable young patient with arterial embolism in whom investigations revealed a mural pedunculated aortic arch thrombosis without clear diffuse atherosclerotic lesions.

A hanging mass in the ascending aorta diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography in a totally asymptomatic subject

Aortic mural thrombosis is generally associated with several diseases, including coagulopathies, aortic dissection or trauma, tumors, and complicated atherosclerotic plaques. The development of a friable mobile thrombus, especially in the ascending aorta or proximal aortic arch, is a rare event with potentially ominous consequences because of a life-threatening risk of stroke and peripheral embolization. The treatment of choice of this condition is still controversial. We report a case of an absolutely asymptomatic 57-year-old patient with a mobile, pedunculated mass attached to the posterior wall of an otherwise normal ascending aorta. The aortic mass, identified by transthoracic echocardiography, was surgically removed and demonstrated to be a thrombus, and the aortic wall specimen was microscopically normal.

A case of huge thrombus in the aortic arch with cerebrovascular embolization

Pedunculated thrombus in the aortic arch that is associated with cerebral infarction is very rare requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent occurrence of another devastating complication. Transesophageal echocardiography is useful for detecting source of embolism including aortic thrombi. The treatment options of aortic thrombi involves anticoagulation, thrombolysis, thromboaspiration, and thrombectomy. Here we report a case of huge thrombus in the aortic arch, resulting in acute multifocal cerebellar embolic infarct in patient without any risk factors for vascular thrombosis. Thrombi in the aortic arch were diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography and treated with anticoagulants successfully.

Endovascular Therapy for Symptomatic Mobile Thrombus of Infrarenal Abdominal Aorta

Mobile thrombus is a rare cause of distal arterial embolization. We report 2 cases of mobile thrombus of the abdominal aorta leading to distal embolization. Both patients were successfully treated with endovascular exclusion of the thrombus and distal embolectomy. Endovascular exclusion of a mobile thrombus of the abdominal aorta is a significantly less invasive alternative to open abdominal aorta thrombectomy.

Mobile Thrombus of the Thoracic Aorta: Management and Treatment Review

Detection of mobile thrombus of the thoracic aorta has become increasingly higher after any embolic event. Although the indication for treatment remains controversial, there is a growing interest about the ethiopathogenesis of this rare entity, and to define proper diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this article was to review the current management strategies and follow-up results of this rare pathology.

Endovascular stent graft for symptomatic mobile thrombus of the thoracic aorta

Mobile thoracic aortic thrombus is a potential source of arterial embolism. Therapeutic management remains controversial. Systemic anticoagulation and various open surgical procedures are the commonly used therapeutic modalities. We report the successful primary treatment by endovascular stent graft of a mobile thoracic aortic thrombus that had caused visceral and peripheral embolism. Our case shows that endovascular stent-graft treatment is an effective, minimally invasive treatment of symptomatic mobile thoracic aortic thrombus.

[Floating thrombus in the aortic arch: a rare case of peripheral arterial embolic events (report of a clinical case)]

Floating thrombus in the aortic arch is a rare and often under-diagnosed source of peripheral arterial embolic events. We report a case of a patient seen with arterial embolic events: ischemia of the left superior limb and transient stroke. The diagnosis was performed with transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography. The thrombus completely disappeared after 15 days of oral anticoagulant therapy. Although rare, this diagnosis mustn't be overlooked in the search for an etiology of recurrent and disseminated peripheral ischemic events because the detrimental functional risk related to a delayed diagnosis.

Transesophageal echo-guided endovascular exclusion of thoracic aortic mobile thrombi

Mobile luminal thrombus of the descending thoracic aorta is an unusual finding in patients with peripheral embolization. The diagnosis is best made with transesophageal echography (TEE). Traditionally, systemic anticoagulation and selective surgical thrombectomy are standard treatment. We present a case report of recurrent mobile thrombus despite surgical thrombectomy and systemic anticoagulation. We treated it with endovascular exclusion of a descending thoracic aorta emboligenic lesion with an endoluminal stent graft, using simultaneous TEE and fluoroscopic intraoperative guidance. The patient remains symptom-free 9 months after stent-graft implantation. TEE-guided endoluminal exclusion should be considered in treatment of descending thoracic aorta emboligenic lesions.

Utility of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Determining the Source of Arterial Ernbolization

Arterial embolism is frequently the product of a cardiac source. Arterial-arterial embolization and paradoxical embolization also occur. Failure to identify the point of origin may subject the patient to an important incidence of preventable events. Conventional echocardiography is insensitive in identifying a cardiac origin of emboli and is of little use in identifying sources of arterial-arterial emboli. Aortography is invasive and not as sensitive in detecting mobile aortic thrombus, which is a recently reported embolic source. Herein we describe seven cases in which transesophageal echocardiography was uniquely valuable in identifying the source or mechanism of arterial embolization. We performed chart reviews of patients with arterial emboli definitively diagnosed after utilizing transesophageal echocardiography. Four females and three males with a mean age of 68 years were included in the study. Peripheral embolization occurred in four patients, visceral embolization occurred in one patient, and two patients experienced cerebrovascular events. Six patients had transthoracic echocardiography and six patients had aortography. None of these studies identified the source of embolization. All patients were diagnosed with transesophageal echocardiography. Mobile aortic thrombus was the primary embolic source in three patients, paradoxical embolization occurred in two patients, and two patients had a combination of findings including one patient with atrial thrombus. Two patients received operative repair of the aorta and five underwent nonoperative management. There was one mortality in the operative group. The source of arterial emboli remains obscure in some patients. Transesophageal ultrasound can be valuable in identifying the source or mechanism of embolization even when angiography and conventional echocardiography are negative.

The aorta: an important but frequently underestimated source of emboli

Systemic emboli are important clinically and have a high morbidity and mortality. The identification of the source of embolisation is crucial for further treatment and management. The aorta harbours the source of emboli in a small but significant number of cases. However, it is usually underestimated as the source of systemic embolisation. The use of transoesophageal echocardiography facilitates establishing the diagnosis and guiding management decisions.

A case of asymptomatic thoracic aorta mural thrombi

The natural history, prognostic significance, and optimal therapy of asymptomatic thoracic aorta mural thrombi detected incidentally is not well defined in the literature. We report a case of asymptomatic thoracic aorta mural thrombi in a 42-year-old woman with a history of smoking and steroid use that was conservatively managed with anticoagulation and had a favorable outcome.

[Thrombus of the aortic arch: an unusual pathology in intensive care]

A 54-year-old patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for voluntary drug intoxication with zolipidem (Stilnox), dimenhydrinate (Mercalm), and oestradiol 17 beta (Oromone). Four hours after the admission the patient was comatose. Cerebral computerized tomodensitometry demonstrated multiple zones of ischaemia. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed 12 hours after the arrival of the patient and revealed a mobile thrombus of the aortic arch. The remainder of the visualized aortic arch did not present atherosclerotic plaque. Secondarily, ischaemia of the right superior limb was diagnosed probably cause by emboli originating in the aortic thrombus appeared. The patient died three days later after her arrival, because of neurologic sequelae of the cerebral embolic events. This clinical case underlines the concept that the diagnosis of drug intoxication must remain a diagnosis of elimination. The thrombosis of the aortic arch is a rare pathology in intensive care units. In the presence of unexplained ischaemic stroke and an peripheral emboli, the thrombosis of the aortic arch should be suspected.

The Utility of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Determining the Source of Arterial Embolization

Arterial embolism is frequently of a cardiac source. Arterial-arterial and paradoxical embolization also occurs. Failure to identify the origin may subject the patient to an important series of events. Herein we describe seven cases in which transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was uniquely valuable in identifying the source or mechanism and in which conventional echocardiography and aortography were nondiagnostic. We conducted a chart review of patients with arterial emboli definitively diagnosed after undergoing TEE. Seven patients (mean age 68 years) were included in the study. Peripheral embolization occurred in four patients, visceral embolization occurred in one, and two experienced cerebrovascular events. Five patients had transthoracic echocardiography and six had aortography; none of these identified the source of embolization. All were diagnosed by TEE. Mobile aortic thrombus was the primary source in three patients, paradoxical embolization occurred in two, and two others had a combination of findings. Two patients received operative management with one mortality, and five received nonoperative management. The source of arterial emboli remains obscure in some patients. TEE can be valuable in identifying sources or mechanisms of embolization when angiography and conventional echocardiography are negative.