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Int J Angiol 2021; 30(02): 170-172
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1720973
Case Report

Free-Floating Thrombus in the Distal Internal Carotid Artery Causing a Stroke

Spyros Papadoulas
1   Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
,
Konstantinos Moulakakis
1   Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
,
Natasa Kouri
1   Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
,
Petros Zampakis
2   Departement of Radiology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
,
Stavros K. Kakkos
1   Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Abstract

We present a patient suffering from a stroke with a free-floating thrombus extending up to the distal internal carotid artery. The thrombus was totally resolved after a 2-week anticoagulation regimen without leaving behind any severe residual stenosis in the carotid bulb. The optimal treatment of this rare condition remains uncertain. We report some important treatment strategies that have been used in the literature, emphasizing the anticoagulation as the mainstay of therapy. Immediate surgical and interventional manipulations carry the risk of thrombus dislodgement and embolization and should be considered if there are recurrent symptoms despite medical management.

Keywords

free floating - thrombus - thrombosis - carotid - anticoagulation - endarterectomy - stroke


Publication History

Article published online:
26 November 2020

© 2020. International College of Angiology. This article is published by Thieme.

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