Free-Floating Thrombus of the Aorta: A Rare Complication of COVID-19-Induced Hypercoagulability

Cureus. 2024 Apr 21;16(4):e58676. doi: 10.7759/cureus.58676. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the aorta is a rare condition characterized by a nonadherent portion of thrombus floating within the aortic lumen. Hypercoagulability is a well-known complication of COVID-19 infection, and thromboses related to COVID-19-related hypercoagulability commonly present in the form of venous or arterial thrombosis such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction. Unfortunately, FFT associated with COVID-19 infection has been rarely reported in the literature. We report the case of a 53-year-old female patient with an unusual presentation of a pedunculated thrombus in the descending thoracic aorta caused by COVID-19-related hypercoagulability. The patient was treated with anticoagulation therapy and did not require invasive procedures. FFT is a rare but potentially catastrophic complication of COVID-19 infection. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications like limb ischemia and stroke.

Keywords: anticoagulation; aortic mobile thrombus; covid 19; hypercoagulable state; thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports