Hyperacute simultaneous cardiocerebral infarction related to floating thrombus in the ascending aorta: a case report

Background Ascending aortic thrombus has been reported in several case reports, often revealed by peripheral embolization, but very few revealed by cardiocerebral infarction. Moreover, there is no defined treatment strategy. Case Summary An 83-year-old woman was admitted to our intensive care unit for concurrent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute stroke, both with the presence of an embolism. Imaging revealed a floating thrombus in the ascending aorta. The thrombus resolved after anticoagulant therapy was administered, and there was no subsequent embolism recurrence. Discussion Floating thrombus in the ascending aorta is an unusual cause of AMI. The main mechanisms of thrombus formation include erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque, but it can also form without tissue abnormality with the probable implication of Virchow’s triad. However, the precise mechanism for thrombogenesis remains unknown. In patients with a low surgical risk, we should consider surgical treatment, especially as anticoagulant therapy does not appear to reduce the risk of arterial embolization. Thrombolysis and endovascular interventions have also proven effective in certain cases. Overall, in patients with high surgical risk, decision will have to be made on a case-by-case basis. Learning point Ascending aortic thrombus should be suspected in cases of multiple systemic embolisms. Simultaneous AMI and ischemic stroke should lead to a search for arterial embolization, and it could be useful to perform a head and chest CT scan prior to cardiac catheterization in case of neurologic symptoms in the context of AMI.

Large paradoxical embolus through a patent foramen ovale following arteriovenous graft thrombectomy

An 86-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula in his left upper extremity presented to his hemodialysis session with thrombosis of his arteriovenous fistula. The patient underwent surgical thrombectomy. The patient later showed evidence of peripheral embolization and livedo reticularis. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms revealed a large thrombus (5x2 cm) in the left atrium prolapsing to the right atrium via a patent foramen ovale and another thrombus (white arrow) adherent to the apical wall of the right ventricle. The thrombus in the left atrium was intermittently crossing the mitral valve and entering the left ventricle.

Endovascular Use of Cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol Mixture for Peripheral Embolization: Properties, Techniques, Pitfalls, and Applications

Endovascular embolization agents are particles and fluids that can be released into the bloodstream through a catheter to mechanically and/or biologically occlude a target vessel, either temporarily or permanently. Vascular embolization agents are available as solids, liquids, and suspensions. Although liquid adhesives (glues) have been used as embolic agents for decades, experience with them for peripheral applications is generally limited. Cyanoacrylates are the main liquid adhesives used for endovascular interventions and have a major role in managing vascular abnormalities, bleeding, and many vascular diseases. They can only be injected as a mixture with ethiodized oil, which provides radiopacity and modulates the polymerization rate. This review describes the characteristics, properties, mechanisms of action, modalities of use, and indications of the cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol® combination for peripheral embolization.

Safety and effectiveness of Phoenix atherectomy for endovascular treatment in calcified common femoral artery lesions

Summary: Background: Traditionally endarterectomy has been considered as the gold standard technique for the treatment of common femoral artery (CFA) lesions. The aim of this study is to investigate the procedural safety and mid-term outcomes of minimal invasive Phoenix atherectomy for the treatment of CFA lesions. Patients and methods: Phoenix atherectomy was used for treatment of 61 consecutive, moderately to heavily calcified CFA lesions in 56 patients. Lesions were classified based on the CFA occlusive disease classification (Type I, II&III lesions). Primary endpoints were technical, procedural, and clinical success rate. Safety endpoints (vessel perforation, peripheral embolization) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) were also assessed. Results: Of 61 CFA lesions, 58 (95%) exhibited at least moderate/severe calcification (PACSS3 in 38 (62%) and PACSS4 in 20 (33%) cases). Type III lesions were present in 30 (49%), type I/II lesions in 31 (51%) cases. Technical and procedural success was achieved in 30 (49%) and all 61 (100%) lesions, respectively with low complication rates (0% perforation, 2% embolization). Adjunctive treatment after atherectomy was performed using drug-coated balloon (DCB) in 35 (57%) and bail-out stenting in 6 (10%) cases. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) occurred in 4 (7%) cases during a mean follow-up duration of 11±7months. All patients exhibited clinical improvement at follow-up, showing mean Rutherford category reduction from 3.7±1.1 to 1.5±1.1 (p<0.001). Conclusions: The Phoenix device can be used for the effective endovascular treatment of CFA lesions, due to its reasonable safety profile and mid-term results.

Large extracellular vesicles in the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation—the missing link?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmic disease in humans, which leads to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage and stroke through peripheral embolization. Depending on their origin, large extracellular vesicles (lEVs) can exert pro-coagulant functions. In the present study, we investigated how different types of AF influence the levels of large EV subtypes in three distinct atrial localizations. Blood samples were collected from the right and left atrium and the left atrial appendage of 58 patients. 49% of the patients had permanent AF, 34% had non-permanent AF, and 17% had no history of AF. Flow cytometric analysis of the origin of the lEVs showed that the proportion of platelet-derived lEVs in the left atrial appendage was significantly higher in permanent AF patients compared to non-permanent AF. When we grouped patients according to their current heart rhythm, we also detected significantly higher levels of platelet-derived lEVs in the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with atrial fibrillation. In vitro studies revealed, that platelet activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to higher levels of miR-222-3p and miR-223-3p in platelet-derived lEVs. Treatment with lEVs from LPS- or thrombin-activated platelets reduces the migration of endothelial cells in vitro. These results suggest that permanent atrial fibrillation is associated with increased levels of platelet-derived lEVs in the LAA, which are potentially involved in LAA thrombus formation.

Irreversible Limb Ischemia Due to Embolizing Aneurysm of the Superficial Femoral Artery

Background: Degenerative superficial femoral artery aneurysms are rare and can lead to catastrophic complications; among these, rupture is the most usual, whereas peripheral embolization is less common. Method: We report a patient with a large superficial femoral artery aneurysm presenting with irreversible limb ischemia, due to multiple distal embolization as demonstrated with urgent computed tomography angiography. Due to local and systemic consequences primary limb amputation was performed. Unfortunately, the patient died from cardiac arrest on the 2nd postoperative day. Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis of true superficial femoral artery aneurysms can result in life-threatening consequences. Peripheral embolization is an uncommon event, but can lead to irreversible ischemia and limb loss.

COVID-19 related thrombi in ascending and descending thoracic aorta with peripheral embolization: a case report

Background COVID-19 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infected patients have increased risk for thrombotic events, which initially may have been under recognized. The existence of cardiovascular emboli can be directly life threatening when obstructing the blood flow to vital organs such as the brain or other parts of the body. The exact mechanism for this hypercoagulable state in COVID-19 patients yet remains to be elucidated. Case summary A 72-year-old man critically ill with COVID-19 was diagnosed with a free-floating and mural thrombus in the thoracic aorta. Subsequent distal embolization to the limbs led to ischaemia and necrosis of the right foot. Treatment with heparin and anticoagulants reduced thrombus load in the ascending and thoracic aorta. Discussion One-third of COVID-19 patients show major thrombotic events, mostly pulmonary emboli. The endothelial expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors makes it feasible that in patients with viraemia direct viral-toxicity to the endothelium of also the large arteries results in local thrombus formation. Up to date, prophylactic anticoagulants are recommended in all patients that are hospitalized with COVID-19 infections to prevent venous and arterial thrombotic complications.