Abstract | November 18, 2023
Cocaine-induced Ascending Aortic Thrombus
Learning Objectives
- Identify the unique vascular complications of consistent cocaine use
- Highlight the importance of early recognition and management of life threatening complications of regular cocaine use
Introduction:
Ascending aortic thrombus in a non-aneurysmal, non-atherosclerotic aorta is an uncommon occurrence. Although arterial thrombosis has been linked with the use of cocaine, thrombus formation particularly in the ascending aorta has rarely been described.
Case Presentation
We report a young man with regular cocaine use presenting with chest pain.
Final/Working Diagnosis
He was found to have a large thrombus in a structurally normal ascending aorta.
Management/Outcome/ and or Follow-up
Medical management with therapeutic anticoagulation was started. The patient survived despite the interruption of anticoagulation treatment for three months due to non-compliance. This unique case highlights the importance of knowledge of various vascular complications associated with cocaine use, its early recognition, and treatment.
References and Resources
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- Fayad ZY, Semaan E, Fahoum B, Briggs M, Tortolani A, D’Ayala M. Aortic mural thrombus in the normal or minimally atherosclerotic aorta. Ann Vasc Surg. 2013;27(3):282-290. doi:10.1016/j.avsg.2012.03.011
- Chen YY, Yen HT, Wu CC, Huang KR, Sheu JJ, Lee FY. Aortic Thrombus in a Nonaneurysmal Ascending Aorta. Ann Vasc Surg. 2021;72:617-626. doi:10.1016/j.avsg.2020.10.031
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