Multiple aortic thrombi associated with protein C and S deficiency

We describe a woman with an unusual case of thromboembolism of the mesenter ic artery in whom multiple thrombi were subsequently found in the aorta and right heart chambers on transesophageal echocardiography. Further evaluati on revealed a deficiency of protein C and S plasma proteins, inhibitors of the clotting system. The patient was treated successfully with systemic ant icoagulation, Aortic thrombus is common in the setting of underlying athero - sclerosis, However, the association of aortic thrombus with a deficiency of protein C and S is rare, To our knowledge, this is the first reported ca se of mural thrombus of the thoracic aorta associated with combined protein C and S deficiency. Our report underscores the important role of transesop hageal echocardiography in the evaluation of patients with arterial thrombo embolism.