Abstract

BACKGROUND
Acute aortic occlusion (AAO) is a rare emergency with high mortality. The typical clinical presentation is the sudden appearance of pain, paralysis, sensory disturbances, and mottling of the lower extremities. The etiology of AAO can be broadly classified into 3 categories: in situ thrombosis, arterial embolism, and occlusion of grafts. AAO is a rare consequence of myocardial infarction in the era of anticoagulation therapy, as part of the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
CASE REPORT
We report the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with acute lower extremity pain and weakness after a myocardial infarction 2 weeks earlier. She was on standardized antiplatelet therapy, a high blood D-dimer level was found during a visit to the Emergency Department, a left ventricular mural thrombus was detected using bedside ultrasound, and computed tomography angiography revealed thrombotic occlusion of the abdominal aorta. AAO disease was diagnosed, but the patient refused further treatment and died after 7 days of follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
In recent years, anticoagulation has become part of the standard of care for patients with myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation, which has led to a lower incidence of arterial embolism leading to AAO than in situ thrombosis. Depending on the type of occlusion, there are also differences in the surgical approach. A computed tomography angiography of the abdomen should be performed on all patients in whom AAO cannot be ruled out. Timely diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are essential to preventing mortality.

Keywords: Acute Aortic Occlusion; Aortic Saddle Embolism; Cardiac Thrombus