23. Abdominal aortic aneurysm, parietal thrombosis
Organ: Abdominal aorta, kidneys
Description:
A segment of the abdominal aorta is seen. Almost the whole segment is covered by a huge thrombus. The thrombus is cut on the left side, revealing some lines.
The aorta bulges out to the left. The kidneys are smaller than normal.
Diagnosis: Abdominal aorta with aneurysm, large thrombus and atrophic kidneys
Causes:
- Virchow’s triad
- Hypercoagulability
- Endothelial damage
- Abnormal blood flow
Theory:
The lines of Zahn are alternating lines of fibrin (lighter) and RBCs (darker). The kidneys are atrophic because of stenosis of the renal arteries.
See theoretical topic 25.