Complete resolution of extensive thrombosis of atheromatous non-aneurysmal descending aorta and pulmonary embolism with warfarin therapy. (27th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pande, Shrikant D; Kum, Steven; Safdar Husain, Farah; Kerner, Vishaka
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-04-27
• Subjects: warfarin therapy -- vascular surgery -- stroke; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-222715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 54-year-old man underwent decompressive craniectomy following a stroke. He further developed right lower limb ischaemia, and CT aortography revealed extensive aortic atherosclerotic disease. Urgent embolectomy prevented him from having a major amputation. He subsequently developed pulmonary embolism. This was initially treated with heparin followed by warfarin apart from antiplatelets and statin. A follow-up aortography at 3 months interval showed near complete resolution of atheromatous disease of the aorta. This report raises the possibility that apart from antiplatelets and lipid-lowering agents, anticoagulation may be responsible for resolution of such an extensive atheromatous disease and whether this can be considered as part of regular treatment.