Resolution of an aortic mobile mass with anticoagulation without evidence of arterial embolism

Clin Cardiol. 1996 Feb;19(2):151-2. doi: 10.1002/clc.4960190215.

Abstract

The prognostic significance of aortic mobile debris detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients without history of embolism has not been established. A mobile aortic arch mass was found by TEE in a 59-year-old man with coronary artery disease, and with rheumatic mitral valve disease, and with no embolic symptoms. The patient was anticoagulated for 6 weeks and the mass was no longer seen on repeated TEE. He had no embolic symptoms during 9 months of follow-up. Different therapeutic approaches to mobile aortic debris are discussed and anticoagulant treatment of asymptomatic cases is advocated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Aorta, Thoracic
  • Aortic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Heparin / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin