Tumors of the Aorta as a Rare Cause of Ischemic Stroke in a Young Woman

TL;DR

A young woman experienced a stroke caused by a rare aortic tumor, which was diagnosed and treated through a multidisciplinary approach.

Contribution

This case highlights the rare association of aortic tumors with ischemic stroke in young patients.

Findings

A 33-year-old woman had a stroke linked to an intimal sarcoma of the aorta.

Thrombotic-like formations in the aorta were identified during follow-up imaging.

A multidisciplinary approach was essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract

Primary malignant tumors of the aorta represent a group of sarcomas arising from the aortic wall. Onset typically occurs in the fifth and sixth decades of life, and the prognosis is poor. Herein, we present the case of a 33-year-old patient with an acute neurological syndrome of uncertain origin. She underwent thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy of the left M1 cerebral artery and was discharged home with antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy. After 30 days, follow-up imaging showed thrombotic-like formations in the ascending aorta, so she underwent urgent cardiac surgery. The histological and immunohistochemical studies showed an unexpected diagnosis of intimal sarcoma. A multidisciplinary approach was mandatory to define the timing of diagnosis and treatment.

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