Shaggy Aorta Syndrome After Acute Arterial Macroembolism: Report of a Case

Abstract

We report the case of a patient who underwent treatment for a macroembolism in the right lower leg, which led to shaggy aorta syndrome. Anticoagulant therapy for the macroembolism and intra-aortic catheterization exacerbated the patient's renal function and triggered another massive microembolization of the visceral arteries, with a fatal outcome. To minimize the incremental complications inherent to this syndrome, awareness and prompt diagnosis with enhanced computed tomography or intravenous digital subtraction aortography are essential. Axillo-bifemoral bypass with bilateral external iliac artery ligations, performed with optimal timing, could save patients with shaggy aorta syndrome.

Impact of Shaggy Aorta in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Following Open or Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

“…Although the term "shaggy aorta" refers to an irregularly shaped and spiculated aorta, which is determined by visual characteristics on computed tomography (CT) angiography, an agreed definition of the condition does not yet exist. 1,2 Shaggy aorta is related to early adverse events following open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). 3,4 Peripheral and visceral embolization from a diffusely atherosclerotic aorta has been called shaggy aorta syndrome.…”

Editor's Choice – A Shaggy Aorta is Associated with Mesenteric Embolisation in Patients Undergoing Fenestrated Endografts to Treat Paravisceral Aortic Aneurysms

“…4,5 We observed that the aortic morphology may also prove to be a powerful determinant of this complication and that its incidence was higher in patients with atheromatous laden aortic lumen. Both peripheral 6 and visceral 7,8 spontaneous embolisation has been described in patients with diffuse aortic atherosclerotic disease, and has been termed "shaggy aorta syndrome". The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with mesenteric embolisation in patients treated with fenestrated aortic endografts.…”

Spontaneous Arterial Recanalization with Magnetic Resonance Angiography Evidence: Report of a Case

“…Conversely, for macroembolism, anticoagulants may enhance the embolic process by disrupting atheromatic plaques and must be discontinued. 12 We planned to treat our patient with surgery followed by thrombolysis and possible anticoagulation medication. The patient did not take any medication before the planned surgery.…”