Rozsáhlá trombóza hrudní aorty – neobvyklý zdroj akutní periferní tepenné embolie

Extensive trombosis of thoracic aorta – an unusual source of acute peripheral arterial embolism.

The case of a 58 year old patient with acute arterial occlusions of both lower limbs is presented. Bilateral embolectomy (Fogarthy’s catheter) was performed immediately, followed by attempts to discover the source of potential emboli. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) detected extensive thrombosis of the descending aorta. Its peripheral tail was considered malignant. The finding was confirmed by computer tomography examination (CT angiography). A decision was made, taken together with the patient, to administer the conservative anticoagulant treatment. Both diagnostic imaging techniques were repeated after four months and their results indicated almost complete regression of the original aortic thrombosis with no other embolic events. This uncommon and remarkable case emphasizes the substantial role of TEE in the diagnosis of potential embolic sources.

Key words:
Aortic thrombosis, arterial embolisation, transoesophageal echocardiography.