Thrombus of the ascending aorta: a rare cause of myocardial infarction

Cardiovasc Pathol. 2005 Jul-Aug;14(4):214-8. doi: 10.1016/j.carpath.2005.02.003.

Abstract

We present two cases of a thrombus in the ascending aorta causing an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and review the 10 other cases previously reported in the literature. This life-threatening condition appears to be more common in female smokers in their fifth decade. Suspicion should be raised in individuals at low risk for atherosclerotic disease with coronary angiographic findings not in keeping with the clinical presentation. The diagnosis may be obtained by transesophageal echocardiography, and we generally recommend surgical thrombectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging
  • Aorta / pathology*
  • Coronary Thrombosis / complications*
  • Coronary Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Thrombosis / therapy
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Thrombectomy
  • Thrombolytic Therapy