Operative management of ascending aorta thrombus and bilateral pulmonary embolism in the setting of breast cancer

J Card Surg. 2021 Apr;36(4):1550-1553. doi: 10.1111/jocs.15347. Epub 2021 Jan 21.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and concomitant floating aortic thrombus are a rare and potentially life-threatening association. Several therapeutic options are available and best management can be controversial when these conditions coexist. We describe a case of a 79-year-old woman presented with massive PE and simultaneous floating thrombus in the ascending aorta. She underwent concomitant ascending aortic replacement and surgical pulmonary embolectomy with an uneventful postoperative recovery. Open surgical repair is a one stage approach that may offer the most efficient treatment to allow survival.

Keywords: Pulmonary embolism; aortic replacement; aortic thrombus; breast cancer; hypercoagulability; pulmonary embolectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aorta / surgery
  • Breast Neoplasms* / complications
  • Breast Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Embolectomy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / surgery
  • Thrombosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis* / surgery