Late thrombotic obstruction of an aortic bioprosthetic valve: successful treatment by oral anticoagulation

Clin Cardiol. 1993 Feb;16(2):152-4. doi: 10.1002/clc.4960160215.

Abstract

Thrombotic obstruction of aortic bioprostheses is rare. Few cases have been reported involving the use of the Carpentier-Edwards (CE) prosthesis, the Hancock bioprosthesis, or the Medtronic Intact porcine valve. Thrombolytic therapy for mechanical valve thrombosis has been used frequently even though it is known to carry a high risk of embolism and recurrence. However, the use of this therapy was reported for the first time only recently, in a case of acute aortic thrombosis which occurred 3 1/2 months after bioprosthesis insertion. We report a case of late progressive thrombotic obstruction of a CE aortic valve 3 years after insertion. The case was successfully treated with coumadin therapy, as confirmed by serial Doppler echocardiographic examinations and a 3-year follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bioprosthesis*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Echocardiography, Doppler
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Valve Diseases / drug therapy
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy*
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Warfarin