Distal migration of a floating carotid thrombus in a patient using oral contraceptives: a case report

• Main Authors: Watanabe Masaki, Mori Takahisa, Imai Keisuke, Izumoto Hajime, Hirano Teruyuki, Uchino Makoto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-07-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/3/1/8389

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>We report the case of a patient with distal migration of a floating carotid thrombus caused by oral contraceptives.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 48-year-old woman using oral contraceptives suffered from dysarthria and gait disturbance. Examinations, including ultrasound and cerebral arteriogram, revealed a floating thrombus at the left carotid bifurcation with no stenosis. Despite antithrombotic therapy, the floating carotid thrombus migrated to the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery, resulting in a severe stroke.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Some floating thrombi are resistant to conservative therapy and have a risk of distal migration, which may cause a major stroke in the acute stage.</p>