Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006; 54(8): 548-549
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-923976
Short Communications

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Arch Thrombus Formation in an Apparently Normal Aorta as a Source for Recurrent Peripheral Embolization

S. Berneder1 , G. van Ingen1 , P. Eigel1
  • 1Cardiac Surgery, Passau General Hospital, Passau, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received October 23, 2005

Publication Date:
06 December 2006 (online)

Abstract

A floating thrombus in an apparently normal aortic arch is a rare and often neglected source for systemic embolic events. When no other underlying pathology for systemic embolization can be found, transesophageal echo (TEE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the diagnostic methods of choice and should be performed in order to detect thrombus formations in the thoracic aorta. We report a case in which a floating thrombus in the aortic arch was the source of emboli into both femoral arteries. Successful bilateral thrombectomy was performed. To prevent repeat embolization, we performed surgery under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with removal of the thrombus and plication of the aortic wall at the site of thrombus adhesion.

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Dr. Silvia Berneder

Cardiac Surgery
Passau General Hospital

Innstraße 79

94032 Passau

Germany

Email: bernedersilvia@yahoo.de