Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Hartung M, Sharma R, Bell D, et al. Free-floating thrombus of the internal carotid artery. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 25 Mar 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-58962
Free-floating thrombus of the internal carotid artery is an uncommon entity placing the patient at high risk for acute ischemic stroke. It is characterized by intraluminal thrombus within the internal carotid artery (ICA) and aggressively managed with surgical, medical, or combined therapy.
The true incidence is unknown but estimates range from 0.05% to 0.7%1.
The majority of patients present with acute neurological symptoms concerning for ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Intraluminal thrombus projecting into the internal carotid artery. It is frequently associated with atherosclerotic plaque. The amount of thrombus can range from a small to extensive throughout the ICA.
Treatment and prognosis
Aggressive management with urgent endarterectomy, anticoagulation, or combined medical/surgical approaches have all shown success 1.
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- 2. Roy, Moni, Roy, Ashish Kumar, DeSanto, Jeffrey R., Abdelsalam, Murad. Free Floating Thrombus in Carotid Artery in a Patient with Recurrent Strokes. (2018) Case Reports in Medicine. 2017: 4932567. doi:10.1155/2017/4932567 - Pubmed
- 3. Bhatti AF, Leon LR, Labropoulos N, Rubinas TL, Rodriguez H, Kalman PG, Schneck M, Psalms SB, Biller J. Free-floating thrombus of the carotid artery: literature review and case reports. (2007) Journal of vascular surgery. 45 (1): 199-205. doi:10.1016/j.jvs.2006.09.057 - Pubmed
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