Nonobstructive prosthetic valve thrombosis occurs more frequently during the early postoperative period due to increased thrombogenicity precipitated by inadequate anticoagulation. There is currently no consensus in the management of prosthetic valve thrombosis. We describe a patient with acute stroke secondary to nonobstructive prosthetic valve thrombosis that was due to inadequate anticoagulation. He was managed with intravenous anticoagulation with no resolution of the thrombus. Subsequently, he underwent successful surgical thrombectomy without valve replacement.
Keywords: Anticoagulants; heart valve prosthesis implantation; stroke; thromboembolism; thrombosis.