Lingual-Artery Thromboembolism

This image-based case report details an 83-year-old woman who presented with acute right-sided tongue swelling, erythema, and well-demarcated dark discoloration. Her medical history included hypertension and hypothyroidism, and physical exam revealed a smooth, swollen tongue with normal sensory findings. ECG showed newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. CT angiography confirmed thromboembolism of the right lingual artery. Management included dexamethasone and anticoagulation, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms within 8 days. No neurologic sequelae were observed at 6-month follow-up. The case highlights lingual-artery thromboembolism as a rare manifestation of atrial fibrillation and emphasizes the importance of early vascular imaging in patients with atypical oral findings.

This image-based case report details an 83-year-old woman who presented with acute right-sided tongue swelling, erythema, and well-demarcated dark discoloration. Her medical history included hypertension and hypothyroidism, and physical exam revealed a smooth, swollen tongue with normal sensory findings. ECG showed newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. CT angiography confirmed thromboembolism of the right lingual artery. Management included dexamethasone and anticoagulation, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms within 8 days. No neurologic sequelae were observed at 6-month follow-up. The case highlights lingual-artery thromboembolism as a rare manifestation of atrial fibrillation and emphasizes the importance of early vascular imaging in patients with atypical oral findings.