Plural large floating thrombi in the ascending aorta

Abstract

Floating thrombi in the ascending aorta are a very rare finding in non-aneurysmal, mildly atherosclerotic or normal aortas. We report a case of floating thrombi in a 66-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with acute chest pain and dyspnea. Enhanced computed tomography showed two large floating thrombi in the ascending aorta, type B aortic dissection, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. A temporary inferior vena cava filter was inserted and the subject underwent an emergency surgical intervention to remove both masses. His postoperative course was uneventful; the etiology of the thrombi is unknown. Lifelong anticoagulation therapy was started and the subject has been stable without recurrence for the last 2 years.