Keyboard Clinical message
Spontaneous aortic thrombosis is rare, and prompt diagnosis is needed
whenever encountering a case of unexplained abdominal pain. the cause of
the thrombosis needs to be evaluated thoroughly to rule out any
underlying thrombophilias.
Abstract: Introduction:
Spontaneous abdominal aorta thrombosis is extremely rare with an unclear
incidence due to its infrequent occurrence. Symptoms vary widely,
ranging from being asymptomatic to a more catastrophic presentation with
organ ischemia. We report the case of a 40-year-old lady who presented
with 1-week history of abdominal pain and was found to have spontaneous
abdominal aorta thrombosis.
Case presentation:
A 40-year-old lady, presented to the hospital with 1-week history of
generalized abdominal pain, moderate to severe in intensity, associated
with nausea and 4 episodes of vomiting. An initial CT scan of abdomen
with contrast showed features of abdominal aorta thrombosis with
ischemic colitis. Screening for an autoimmune etiology or hereditary
thrombophilia was negative. The patient was treated with anticoagulation
and she showed evidence of improvement in clinical symptoms and partial
resolution of thrombus on follow up radiology.
Conclusion:
Spontaneous aortic thrombosis is rare in occurrence. Evaluation includes
abdominal imaging with either, CT scan or MRI, and the cause of the
thrombosis needs to be evaluated thoroughly. Treatment includes
anticoagulation and if needed re-vascularization by endovascular
methods.