Acute peripheral ischemia in healthy female patient: an indirect and unanticipated diagnosis of spontaneous thrombus in the aortic arch

BACKGROUND: In this case we discuss the management of a pediculated floating thrombus in the aortic arch which led to peripheral embolization and acute ischemia oft he left leg. CASE PRESENTATION: A healthy 46 year old female patient presented with pain in her left leg and progressive numbness. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) showed an acute ischemia of the left leg (Rutherford 2 B) with a 2 cm thrombus distal of the aortic bifurcation. Emergency operation with embolectomy, selective thrombembolectomy and patch plasty on the tibioperoneal trunk and local lysis was performed. As part of a further diagnostic examination a thoracic CT scan has been performed revealing a pediculated-floating 2 cm thrombus in the aortic arch. Four days after the initial operation thrombus excision via a minimally invasive access way has been performed. After initiation of the extracorporeal circulation, selective unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion has been established in mild (30–32 °C) systemic hypothermia. Patients postoperative course was uneventful. Histological evaluation of the mass demonstrated thrombotic material without evidence of infection or malignacy. CONCLUSION: A pediculated spontaneous thrombus may develop in aortic arch in patients without traditional risk factors or family history of embolic events. Two stage operation was feasible and safe.