Systemic thrombolysis in a patient with massive acute valvular thrombosis

Abstract

Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is considered an exceptionally rare condition, often associated with pro-thrombotic factors or suboptimal anticoagulant therapy. Guidelines recommend emergent surgery for patients with left heart valve prosthetic thrombosis who present in cardiogenic shock, and systemic thrombolysis is reserved in scenarios where surgery is not immediately available. However, several factors may affect surgical prognosis and are overlooked by current recommendations. We describe the case of a 34-year-old female who presented in the emergency department with cardiogenic shock and acute pulmonary edema due to acute valve thrombosis.

Keywords: Cardiogenic shock; Prosthetic valve thrombosis; Thrombolysis.