Floating mass in the aortic arch: An interesting case report

AbstractThe finding of a floating mass in the aortic arch is rare and the management remains controversial. The gold standard for visualization of atheromatic plaque is computed tomography scanning. However, in some patients transthoracic harmonic imaging from a suprasternal window can reliably visualize protruding aortic arch atheromas, thus making an excellent screening test. We report a case of a ruptured floating atheromatous aortic plaque in a 77-year-old man with severe aortic valve stenosis and known coronary artery disease presenting with progressing dyspnea. Both procedures, atheromatic plaque removal and aortic valve replacement, were undertaken during the same surgical operation, which was completed with success and the patient was discharged in a good state of health.