Systemic embolism from a large descending aortic thrombus

With the advent of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), thrombi of the aorta are becoming increasingly recognized as possible sources of systemic emboli. This report describes a 58-year-old woman with multiple unexplained peripheral emboli. A giant thrombus of the descending aorta has been identified as the source of systemic thromboembolism. The patient refused surgery and was treated successfully with long-term anticoagulation.