Open surgery retrieval of a missing guidewire causing cerebral infarctions after cerebral angiography: a case report

BACKGROUND: Intra-aortic foreign body (IAFB) is uncommon, which is usually caused by a rupture of the catheter or guidewire. IAFB can cause catastrophic complications, including arrhythmia, embolization of guidewire fragments, intravascular clipping of the guidewire and vascular perforation. However, there are still no guidelines on removal and management of IAFB. Here, we present a rare case of fractured cerebral angiographic guidewires in the aorta that resulted in multiple cerebral infarctions. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old man experienced new cerebral infarction after cerebral angiography. Computed tomography and echocardiography demonstrated foreign bodies in his ascending aorta and aortic arch. Open surgery was successfully performed to retrieve the guidewires. The postoperation and follow-up was uneventful. CONCLUSION: It is very important for interventional radiologists to check the catheter and guidewire after operation and perform ultrasound or radiograph to prevent IAFB. Additionally, the effective management of IAFB requires the early detection and the selection of appropriate treatment options, as well as long-time follow up. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-021-01531-w.