Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic detection of large mobile aortic thrombus in a patient with iron deficiency anemia presenting as acute limb ischemia

Abstract

Quantitative and qualitative abnormalities in red blood cells are associated with arterial thrombosis. We report a case of a middle-aged female with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) presenting as bilateral acute limb ischemia (ALI) and on evaluation with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) a large mobile thrombus was detected in the descending thoracic aorta. Her limbs were salvaged with successful bilateral surgical embolectomy and fasciotomies. The aortic thrombus was resolved with anticoagulation and correction of iron deficiency. We conclude that TEE evaluation of aorta is warranted in middle age females with IDA presenting as ALI.