Blue digit syndrome: transesophageal echocardiographic identification of thoracic aortic plaque-related thrombi and successful outcome with warfarin.

We describe two patients with blue digit syndrome in whom transesophageal echocardiography was able to identify mobile thrombotic masses attached to the irregular intimal surface of the descending thoracic aorta. These patients were treated with heparin and warfarin and did not have recurrent episodes of peripheral arterial embolization. In this article we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in patients with peripheral arterial embolization and blue digit syndrome.