Thrombus formation in the native aortic root in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Thrombus formation in the native aortic root is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The native aortic root in these patients serves as a conduit for the retrograde filling of the coronary arteries. Thrombus in this location could result in myocardial ischemia. We present three cases of native aortic root thrombosis at our institution with clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic to sudden cardiac arrest. Our experience with these patients argues for careful and consistent evaluation of the native aortic root regardless of clinical symptoms.