Recurrent Mural Thrombosis of the Ascending Aorta in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Ann Vasc Dis. 2022 Mar 25;15(1):77-80. doi: 10.3400/avd.cr.21-00138.

Abstract

A 38-year-old man presented with embolic occlusion of the brachial artery. As per his computed tomography results, a pedunculated mass in the proximal ascending aorta was detected. Since discrimination between a thrombus and a tumor was deemed difficult, the patient underwent replacement of the ascending aorta. Histopathology revealed the mass to be a thrombus. The diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome was then confirmed postoperatively. Six months post-surgery, a new thrombus was detected in the vascular prosthesis. The thrombus resolved after treatment with edoxaban and aspirin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on graft thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome, highlighting the importance of seamless anticoagulation therapy.

Keywords: antiphospholipid syndrome; aortic operation; thrombosis.