Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with an incidence of over 790,000 per year. Eighty seven percent of strokes are ischemic and 25% affect patients younger than 65 years of age. Before the age of 65 years more women than men suffer from stroke, however the opposite is true for age 65 years and older, as reported by American Heart and American Stroke Association.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the most common type of acquired thrombophilia, associated with venous and/or arterial thrombosis. Left atrial is responsible for 6–8% of thrombotic events affecting otherwise healthy individuals and is most commonly associated with venous thrombosis. [1] [2]

We present a case of massive aortic thrombosis with subsequent catastrophic cerebrovascular embolization and infarction.

A 50-year-old African-American male presented with right sided weakness, facial droop and impaired speech. Symptoms started about 10–12 hours before presentation to the emergency department and were gradually getting worse. During two weeks preceding admission patient experienced several episodes of similar symptoms, but less severe, resolving spontaneously, for which he did not seek medical help.

Past medical history was significant for hypertension and stroke two years before, which resolved with no residual deficits. Social history revealed active use of tobacco, alcohol and cocaine.

On admission, patient had markedly elevated blood pressure (189/120 mmHg), was tachycardic (120/min) and had increased respiratory rate (20/min). Neurological examination revealed equal and reactive to light pupils with gaze deviated to the left, global aphasia, right sided facial droop and right sided hemiparesis.

Computed tomography (CT) scan of brain revealed increased density of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ischemic stroke involving the area of its distribution. (Figure 1) (Figure 2) The angiography showed a large thrombus involving the aorta, (Figure 3) (Figure 4) (Figure 5) extending to the left common and internal carotid artery and proximal left cerebral artery segments.

Initial management did not include systemic thrombolysis due to prolonged time relapsed since the symptoms were first noted. Patient was also not a candidate for local intervention due to extensiveness of the thrombus.

Patient was intubated for airway protection and admitted to the medical intensive care unit for further management. Treatment was supportive. His hospital course was complicated by aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, acute kidney injury, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Laboratory tests were scheduled and revealed increased D-dimers and low haptoglobin levels (Table 1). Peripheral smear was remarkable for the presence of schistocytes, which was suggestive of disseminated intravascular coagulation, which was attributed to sepsis. In view of a possible underlying autoimmune pathology additional blood tests were added, among them mixing studies, which were positive for lupus anticoagulant.

Transthoracic echocardiography was ordered and did not reveal any underlying structural cardiovascular pathology.

Serial CT scans showed worsening demarcation of the infarct in the left brain hemisphere, initially with mild mass effect. After several days of hospitalization neurological examination revealed absence of brain stem reflexes. The CT scan of brain obtained at that time showed massive brain edema, midline shift, transtentorial herniation and new brain stem infarct. (Figure 6)

Antiphospholipid syndrome, is the most common type of acquired thrombophilia. Within the spectrum of the APS, anticardiolipin antibody syndrome is most commonly associated with arterial thrombosis, as opposed to left atrial, which is mainly related with venous thrombosis. [3]

According to the International Consensus Statement on Preliminary Criteria for the classification of APS (Sapporo Criteria), at least one clinical and at least one laboratory criteria are required to consider the APS diagnosis definite. The laboratory criterion is met when the positive test is reproduced in at least 12 weeks interval. Our patient presented with unexplained thromboembolic event and laboratory studies revealed the presence of left atrial. However, the latter could not be repeated due to the fatal outcome.

The most common site of arterial thrombosis in APS is central nervous system, with half of the cases resulting in strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). [3] [4] [5] The major source of arterial systemic emboli is the heart, whereas systemic thrombi originating in the aorta are much less common. The occurrence of the thrombi without underlying predisposing conditions such as structural heart disease or atherosclerotic plaque would make the case even more unusual. [6]

In our patient, no underlying pathology was found in transthoracic echocardiography. While transesophageal study would be a better modality in search for the pathology, in view of his critical condition this test was not performed in our patient.

According to reviewed literature, [1] the presence of coexisting mixed aortic, carotid and cerebrovascular thrombosis and/or TIAs (reported in our case prior to admission) is very uncommon among patients with APS, contributing to less than 10% cases.

The majority of patients developing APS is otherwise healthy, and is classified to have primary APS. Secondary APS should also be considered, especially in the context of medication/drug induced scenario, including cocaine use.

Patients with the diagnosis of APS and prior thrombosis are at high risk for recurrent events. Some authors report, that about 70% of them will have an episode in 5–6 years, with highest rate during the first six months after discontinuation of the therapy. [4] [7] [8] Due to that fact lifelong anticoagulation therapy is postulated.

Thrombosis occurring at the level of capillaries, arterioles or venules may result in a clinical picture similar to hemolytic uremic syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura [3] [7]which could explain some of the clinical and laboratory findings in our patient.

Initial management did not include systemic thrombolysis as eligible patients are those presenting within three hours of onset of symptoms. [9]

Antiphospholipid syndrome is the most common type of acquired thrombophilia. Secondary Antiphospholipid syndrome should be considered in view of the history of recent cocaine use as a provoking factor. Left atrial is mainly associated with venous thrombosis. Concomitant arterial, mixed aortic, carotid and cerebrovascular thrombosis represent a very rare phenomenon, which makes presented case unique.

The prompt diagnosis and treatment, with long-term anticoagulation given to survivors is crucial, as the rate of recurrent episodes is high and the outcomes may be fatal.

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