Distal migration of a floating carotid thrombus in a patient using oral contraceptives: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: We report the case of a patient with distal migration of a floating carotid thrombus caused by oral contraceptives. Case presentation. A 48-year-old woman using oral contraceptives suffered from dysarthria and gait disturbance. Examinations, including ultrasound and cerebral arteriogram, revealed a floating thrombus at the left carotid bifurcation with no stenosis. Despite antithrombotic therapy, the floating carotid thrombus migrated to the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery, resulting in a severe stroke. Conclusion. Some floating thrombi are resistant to conservative therapy and have a risk of distal migration, which may cause a major stroke in the acute stage. © 2009 licensee BioMed Central Ltd.