Description
This specimen consists of a segment of abdominal aorta including the orifices of the superior and
inferior mesenteric arteries and the renal arteries, as well as a small portion of the common iliac
arteries. Two separate segments of femoral artery (right and left) with the origin of the profunda
femoris artery are also included. There is an extensive area of thrombosis within the aorta,
extending for about 3 cm along the right common iliac artery. The thrombus is partially organised
and is firmly adherent to the underlying vessel wall. Separate foci of thrombosis are seen within
both femoral arteries. The aorta and both femoral arteries show focal atherosclerosis. In places the
atherosclerotic plaques contain areas of calcification and haemorrhage.
History
This 54 year old man presented with a 9 month history of progressive CHF complicated
by recurrent pulmonary emboli. This was shown at post mortem examination to be due to
congestive (dilated) cardiomyopathy. Multiple episodes of arterial thrombosis were noted
clinically as a complication of progressive cardiogenic shock immediately prior to death.