Abstract

Embolic phenomenon from atheromatous material of the aorta was first found as early as 1862 by Panum. However, it was not until 1945 that Flory described in detail the pathologic processes of atheromatous embolization in bath human and experimental animals and stressed the importance of its sequelae. Since that time, the cases have been recognized with increasing interest and frequency. Recently, Gore and Collins collected 84 cases and added 16 cases of their own. It Is a purpose of this paper to report 12 additional cases experienced at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C., U.S.A., and to reemphasize the clinicopathological correlations leading to the following conclusions. Summary and Conclusions 1. Clinicopathological observations on 12 autopsied cases of atheromatous embolism were presented with review of the literatures. 2. Significant clinical implications of the embolism was discussed with particular emphasis on the necessity to differentiate it from true arteritis. 3. All the cases revealed severe ulcerative atherosclerosis of the aorta in common and had as sociated aneurysms in the 8 cases. 4. Many varieties of organs and tissues could be involved and especially the kidney, pancreas and spleen were the three major organs most frequently affected. 5. In none of the cases the atheromatous embolism were immediate cause of death. However, in 4 cases at least it was definitely contributory factor to death.