Total Arch Replacement for Aortic Arch Thrombosis Combined with Severe Mitral Regurgitation

Abstract

A 74-year-old male with exertional breathlessness was referred to our hospital by his general physician. Echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation. An aortic and coronary computed tomography scan revealed aortic arch thrombosis and coronary artery stenosis in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. In consideration of the risk of embolization, the patient underwent emergency surgery on the same day. The surgical procedure involved the replacement of the aortic arch with a fenestrated frozen elephant trunk, mitral valvuloplasty, and coronary artery bypass graft for the LAD artery. Blood tests revealed no underlying coagulopathy. The patient did not develop any postoperative complications. He was discharged home on his own on postoperative day 19. One year after the surgery, no recurrence of thrombosis or heart failure was observed. Severe mitral regurgitation complicated with intraaortic thrombosis is rare. This case report indicates that intraaortic thrombosis can occur even in patients without any underlying blood coagulation abnormalities. We report this case with a review of the literature.