Endovascular solutions for symptomatic free-floating thrombus in thoracic aorta in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Two clinical cases

Abstract

Objectives We present two clinical cases of association between symptomatic free-floating thrombus (FFT) in thoracic aorta and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods In the first patient, we observed a recent onset of peripheral and visceral signs of embolization: after a first treatment with anticoagulation, our Aortic team scheduled the coverage of FFT (sited in zone 1 of the aortic arch) with an anatomical debranching of anonymous trunk and left carotid artery, a left carotid-subclavian bypass, and a TEVAR of the aortic arch with proximal landing in zone 0 of the arch. The second case was characterized by chest pain, left upper limb ischemia, and CTA evidence of an FFT in zone 3 of the aortic arch; we planned a chimney-TEVAR on the left subclavian artery and descending thoracic aorta (with proximal landing in zone 2 of the aortic arch) to exclude the FFT. Results No complications resulted and no new embolic episodes were registered. Conclusions Evaluating the aorta is warranted in all patients with peripheral emboli of uncertain pathogenesis. In our opinion, the endovascular treatment of a symptomatic FFT could represent an effective and safe solution in a patient fit for endovascular surgery, but larger studies are required to define a personalized treatment strategy.