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Published on: February 11, 2022
Left atrial thrombosis following mitral valve repair and maze procedure: case report
Shigeaki Aoyagi1, Eiki Tayama, Shuji Fukunaga
1Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.
Insights
This case study highlights left atrial thrombosis after mitral valve repair and maze procedure. Surgical removal of the thrombus successfully resolved the complication, preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Mitral valve repair and Kosakai-maze procedures are complex cardiac surgeries.
- Post-operative complications like thrombosis can occur despite successful initial repair.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman developed left atrial thrombosis three months after mitral valve repair and Kosakai-maze procedure.
- Suboptimal anticoagulation levels and positive anticardiolipin antibodies were noted.
- Initial anticoagulation therapy with heparin and warfarin was ineffective in reducing thrombus size.
Findings:
- A large, adherent thrombus involving the Kosakai-maze incision line was identified during reoperation.
- Complete surgical excision of the thrombus was achieved.
- Post-reoperation anticoagulation with warfarin and antiplatelet agents maintained target INR levels.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention is a viable option for managing persistent left atrial thrombosis post-cardiac surgery.
- Aggressive anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy are crucial for preventing recurrence.
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and management of anticoagulation in high-risk patients.
Abstract:
The case is described of a 71-year-old woman with left atrial thrombosis after successful mitral valve repair and a Kosakai-maze procedure. At three months after surgery, electrocardiography showed a normal sinus rhythm, but echocardiography revealed a mural thrombus on the posterior wall of the left atrium. During those three months, the anticoagulation level (thrombotest index range: 29-41%) was lower than target level. Anticoagulant therapy with heparin plus warfarin failed to reduce the thrombus size. Anticardiolipin antibodies were positive, and lupus anticoagulants negative. A Doppler study of the mitral valve indicated peak velocity 1.48 m/s, mean pressure gradient 4.5 mmHg, and valve area 2.1 cm2. During reoperation, an old spherical thrombus (weight 38 g) which was firmly adhered to the posterior wall and included an incision line of the Kosakai-maze procedure, was identified and totally removed. After reoperation, the patient received warfarin and an antiplatelet agent to maintain the INR at 2.5-3.5. Echocardiography performed at 11 months postoperatively revealed no thrombus formation on the left atrium.
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