Management of Spontaneous Aortic Thrombus Following Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Urothelial Cancer: A Case Report

Spontaneous aortic thrombosis is exceedingly rare, and optimal treatment remains uncertain. We present an unusual case of a spontaneous aortic thrombus at the renal artery level in a patient undergoing active cisplatin treatment for urothelial carcinoma. Management included catheter-directed thrombolysis followed by thrombectomy. An open cutdown was performed on the left common femoral artery (CFA), with right groin access via a 6-Fr sheath. Clamping of the left superficial and deep femoral arteries, along with balloon occlusion of the right common iliac artery, prevented distal embolization. A Coda balloon introduced via direct left CFA puncture with a 20-Fr sheath was positioned above the aortic thrombus. After inflation, clots were trawled to the sheath, "sandwiching" the clots before removal of the balloon and sheath via the left groin. Post-operatively, the patient recovered well and received continued therapeutic anticoagulation.

Case Report: concurrent myocardial and cerebral infarction due to aortic thrombus

Background

Aortic mural thrombus is a rare acute aortic syndrome that can present with embolism to a distal organ. No guidelines or randomized evidence exist to guide therapy for patients with aortic mural thrombus. Cardiac and cerebral embolism is a particularly unusual presentation of aortic thrombus but has significant implications for patient management.

Case summary

We present an unusual case of a young patient with simultaneous embolization of aortic thrombus to the coronary and cerebral vasculature, causing cerebral infarcts and a myocardial infarction. He presented with chest pain, slurred speech, right homonymous hemianopia, and inferior ST-elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG). Bedside echocardiography identified an inferoseptal regional wall motion abnormality. Emergent computerised tomography (CT) brain and aorta showed acute cerebral infarcts and aortic mural thrombus. He was managed medically with anticoagulation and discharged without disability after a period of rehabilitation.

Discussion

This case demonstrates the value of careful clinical assessment in the setting of ST-elevation prior to transferring a patient for invasive angiography, as well as highlighting the role of echocardiography and CT imaging in the diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes. We describe the various management options for aortic mural thrombus, the role of multi-disciplinary decision-making, and our rationale for selecting a strategy of anticoagulation.

A Devastating Floating Aortic Thrombus and Ketosis-Prone Diabetes

This article reports a case study of a middle-aged patient diagnosed with Ketosis-Prone Diabetes (KPD) and diabetic ketoacidosis who had a mobile thrombus in the distal aortic arch with catastrophic complications from thrombus embolization. The pathogenesis of the mobile aortic thrombus is currently under investigation, with many risk factors having been found. Based on the patient's limited manifestation of atherosclerosis and the absence of any indications of thrombophilia, KPD and inflammation from uncontrolled hyperglycemia likely played a significant role in the formation of the thrombus. KPD is a subtype of diabetes characterized by the abrupt onset of severe hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. The inflammation caused by uncontrolled hyperglycemia in KPD patients can lead to endothelial dysfunction and the activation of prothrombotic pathways. There is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal approach for managing a mobile aortic thrombus. The main strategies under consideration are conservative care, including anticoagulation alone, invasive removal of the thrombus, or endovascular intervention.

A Case of COVID-19-Associated Free-Floating Aortic Thrombus Successfully Treated with Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with a hypercoagulable state in which patients can be at risk for developing venous and arterial thromboembolic events at a rate as high as 31%. A free-floating aortic thrombus (FFT) is a rare life-threatening complication of a hypercoagulable state. These thrombi require medical, endovascular, or surgical treatment. The optimal treatment modality for FFT occurring in the setting of COVID-19 remains unknown. We present a patient with a COVID-19-associated free-floating descending aortic thrombus that was treated with percutaneous vacuum-assisted thrombectomy (angio-VAC). CASE REPORT A 61-year-old man presented to the hospital with dyspnea and hypoxia and was diagnosed with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Initial chest computed tomography angiography (CTA) did not show pulmonary emboli or thrombi. Inflammatory markers (D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, fibrinogen) were tracked every other day. After several measurements of decreasing D-dimer values, there was a noticeable increase in D-dimer level and continued dependence on high levels of supplemental oxygen. A repeat chest CTA showed an FFT, confirmed by transesophageal echocardiogram. Cardiothoracic surgery and interventional radiology teams performed successful angio-VAC percutaneous removal, confirmed with intravascular ultrasound. The patient was subsequently discharged with a 3-month supply of apixaban. CONCLUSIONS Minimally invasive endovascular removal of an FFT is a therapeutic option, as anticoagulation alone carries the risk of partial lysis and repeat embolization. Clinicians can consider this endovascular treatment option paired with therapeutic anticoagulation. Further guidelines on monitoring and treatment of possible COVID-19-associated thrombosis are needed, particularly when the risk of embolization is high.

Complete resolution of long pedunculated thrombus of the proximal ascending aorta following conservative management: an interesting case

We report a case of a 60-year-old woman who presented clinically with symptoms of acute embolic stroke. On workup with MRI, carotid Doppler and subsequent CT angiography, a long pedunculated mobile thrombus was seen with the base of the thrombus attached to the ascending aorta and the tip protruding into the left common carotid artery. She was advised urgent cardiovascular surgery consultation; however, she preferred medical management over surgery. She was put on dual antiplatelet therapy. On follow-up after 6 months, there was complete resolution of the thrombus.

A floating thrombus detected by CT in the descending aorta in an obese patient: A possible genetic-environmental interaction

A floating thrombus in a nonaneurysmal, nonatherosclerotic aorta is a rare finding and may represent an unusual source of systemic embolism. Less than 130 cases have been reported in the literature. We describe a rare case of aortic floating thrombus in the descending aorta and the proximal portion of the suprarenal abdominal aorta detected by computed tomography angiography in a 50-year-old woman who was admitted to our emergency room with epigastric abdominal pain. The computed tomography angiography also showed some defects in the subsegmentary pulmonary artery branches along with a splenic infarction with splenic artery and vein thrombi, and a left renal thrombus. On genetic testing the patient resulted heterozygous for the polymorphism for 5,10‐methylentetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and also with homozygous deletion alleles of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene. The aortic floating thrombus resolved during anticoagulant therapy after 4 weeks.

Utility of four-dimensional computed tomography angiography for evaluating the mobility of a thrombus in the ascending aorta

Four-dimensional computed tomography has been used to evaluate moving structures and is a useful method to diagnose cardiovascular diseases. We report a case of cerebral infarction due to the thrombus in the ascending aorta, and utilized 4-dimensional computed tomography angiography for visualizing the movement of the thrombus, which prompted early surgical intervention to prevent further thromboembolism. Although transesophageal echocardiography is an established method to evaluate the ascending aorta, it has some contraindications and complications. Four-dimensional computed tomography angiography is an excellent alternative without blind spots to evaluate the ascending aorta more quickly than transesophageal echocardiography.

A critical reappraisal of the treatment modalities of normal appearing thoracic aorta mural thrombi

Mural thrombus in non-atherosclerotic or aneurysmatic thoracic aorta is a relatively uncommon entity. Currently there is no consensus on the appropriate therapeutic algorithm of its management. We aim to present the current knowledge on the treatment of thoracic aorta mural thrombi (TAMT) in minimally atherosclerotic vessels and we hope that the juxtaposed discussions will shed light on the uncharted waters regarding this rare syndrome. The MEDLINE/PubMed database was searched for publications with the medical subject "aortic mural thrombus" and keywords "thoracic", "embolism", "normal vessel", "minimally atherosclerotic vessel" or "treatment". We restricted our search to English language, till January 2017. The electronic literature search yielded 23 reports that were deemed appropriate for further analysis. Anticoagulation is the standard of care for the treatment of the thrombus whereas surgical and interventional treatment seems to be related with increased mortality and lower recurrence rates. TAMT treatment is controversial. Anticoagulants are the mainstay of treatment but surgery seems to gain ground in several settings as an only therapy or a combined treatment modality. More data are needed on the role of novel oral anticoagulants and endografts.

Surgical approach for a symptomatic aortic arch thrombus

Aortic mural thrombus in the normal aorta is an uncommon cause of systemic embolisms. We report the case of a 75-year old male who presented multiple embolic events secondary to a mobile thrombus in the aortic arch. The patient underwent urgent surgery and had an uneventful recovery. He was discharged 10 days later.

Aortic floating thrombus detected by computed tomography angiography incidentally: Five cases and a literature review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the findings of aortic floating thrombus (AFT) on computed tomography angiography (CTA) for a definitive, timely diagnosis and to select a reasonable management course to improve prognosis.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed imaging findings of 5 patients with AFT detected by CTA, including location, morphology, size, involved aortic segment, concomitant embolism, stent, and dynamic changes during the follow-up.

RESULTS

Seven lesions were detected in the initial CTA studies of the 5 patients: 5 aortic intraluminal floating thrombi (3 patients) and 2 aortic in-stents floating thrombi (ASFTs; 2 patients). One aortic intraluminal floating thrombus was located in the right anterior wall of the ascending aorta and 2 in the aortic isthmus. Interval increasing in size of the splenic embolism and a new renal segmental artery embolism were noted in 1 patient after 7 days anticoagulation therapy. One ASFT was located in the original narrowing part of the aortic stent and another in the overlap of the stents. During the follow-up, some lesions disappeared, whereas the morphology and size varied in others. Four new ASFTs occurred. All the lesions were attached to the focal thickened inner walls of the stents with the free-floating portions along the direction of blood flow.

CONCLUSIONS

AFT is a rare, life-threatening disease. Abnormal coagulation function, aortic disease, and history of aortic stent implantation are the potential predictors for AFT. CTA scanning can depict the lesions clearly and evaluate curative efficacy. The therapeutic strategy should be based on the etiology and the patient's physical condition, whereas the preferred treatment is conservative medication.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Embolizing Total Occlusion of the Descending Aorta due to Aortic Sarcoma

Primary malignant tumors of the aorta are extremely rare, and the diagnosis is difficult from the clinical onset. Accordingly to the principles of cancer surgery, "en bloc" resection of the tumor-involved aorta and graft interposition is the gold standard, but it is still technically challenging and comorbidities may rule out some patients from an operative treatment. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has been reported anecdotally, but it is an ease and rapid alternative in urgent circumstances and proved to be effective to relieve symptoms caused by these lesions. Unfortunately, no matter what is the type of histology or immunohistochemistry, or the type of treatment, the prognosis of aortic malignancies is very poor. Nevertheless, an operative treatment strategy which includes surgical resection and chemotherapy or radiation had long survival than patients treated with a single modality. We report a case of acute mesenteric syndrome caused by an occlusive and embolizing thrombus of the descending thoracic aorta caused by primary aortic sarcoma treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

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.

Aortic luminal thrombus and intramural hematoma after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

We describe the case of a patient with an intramural hematoma and floating thrombus after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 92-year old man had a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation and witnesses immediately initiated manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed immediately on hospital admission because the patient was in cardiogenic shock. In addition to an akinetic anterior wall, examination of the descending thoracic aorta demonstrated an intramural hematoma and a floating intra-aortic thrombus at a distance of 40cm from the dental arch. There was no aortic dissection. The thrombus was attributed to aortic compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although the aortic thrombus and intramural hematoma were not associated with any complications in this patient, insertion of an intra-aortic balloon may have led to aortic rupture or embolic events. Transesophageal echocardiography should be performed, when available, prior to insertion of an intra-aortic balloon for counterpulsation in patients who have undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Multidetector CT findings of complications of surgical and endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms remain a significant problem in the population, and there is a concerted effort to identify, define, image, and treat these conditions to ultimately improve outcomes. The rapid development of diagnostic modalities, operative strategies, and endovascular techniques within the realm of this aortic disease has transformed the field and broadened the spectrum of patients that can be treated with minimally invasive techniques. This investigation has a broad spectrum of normal expected findings that must be differentiated from early or late complications in which intervention is required. In this article, normal and abnormal postoperative and post-TEVAR/EVAR MDCT findings are described.

Endovascular stent graft repair of thoracic aortic mural thrombus in a patient with polycythemia vera: A word of caution

Thoracic aortic mural thrombus (TAMT) is a rare pathology and potential source of cerebral, visceral, and peripheral emboli. We present a 62-year-old male in a hypercoagulable state due to primary polycythemia vera (PV) developed TAMT and catastrophic thromboembolisms despite aggressive medical and surgical management. The outcomes and adverse events of endovascular exclusion of TAMT in the presence of PV are unknown. We would recommend proceeding with extreme caution when performing endovascular exclusion of TAMT, as PV may be a prohibitive risk.

Multiple thromboembolism with multiple causes in a 69-year-old woman: a case report

Introduction

Aggressive, recurrent embolisms require accurate etiologic diagnosis. We describe the case of a 69-year-old Italian Caucasian woman with recurrent arterial embolisms in whom several sources and triggers of thrombosis were detected.

Case presentation

The patient, a 69-year-old Italian Caucasian woman, presented with a systemic embolism that was initially attributed to atrial fibrillation. The recurrence of embolisms despite anti-thrombotic therapy prompted a re-evaluation of the clinical presentation. New potential causes of thrombosis emerged in this patient, including thrombocytosis associated with the JAK2 V617F mutation and the very rare mural thrombosis of the descending aorta. A mural thrombus in the pulmonary artery was detected contiguous with the aortic mural thrombosis, raising the possibility of a clinically silent ductus Botalli as the initiating event. The patient was treated with warfarin, aspirin, hydroxyurea, and surgery.

Conclusions

The diagnosis was achieved via systematic use of imaging procedures and reconsideration of blood tests performed to explore the diagnosis of thrombosis. This allowed a deeper and more detailed analysis of the case beyond the conventional approach, which would have aimed to identify one cause for the condition at hand, in this case, atrial fibrillation. The broader approach that we used resulted in the diagnosis of multiple embolisms from multiple sites and multiple causes.

Thrombolysis to Treat Thrombi of the Aortic Arch

Thoracic mobile aortic mural thrombus (TAMT) of the aortic arch is a rare condition. We report 3 cases of symptomatic TAMT treated with systemic alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA]) thrombolysis. The first patient was symptomatic with repetitive thromboembolism to the left brachial artery. She was treated with repetitive thrombolysis after surgical embolectomy of the brachial artery. The second patient was symptomatic with splenic infarction and mesenteric ischemia. She was treated with a single cycle of systemic thrombolysis followed by ileocoecal resection. The third patient presented with a TAMT obstructing the left common carotid artery, causing ischemic stroke. After systemic thrombolysis, a reduction in thrombus size was documented; however, the patient died later, of acute heart failure, during the clinical course. On follow-up 6 months after the incidences, the 2 surviving patients were in good condition and free of thromboembolic events. We show that systemic thrombolytic therapy can be performed successfully in patients with TAMT.