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Published on: October 19, 2015
Management of bioprosthetic cardiac valve thrombosis
Jerry Fan1, Kirill Lipatov1, Wes Lane2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott and White HealthTempleTexas.
Insights
Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis, a complication within a year of replacement, is visualized by 4D CT. New trials suggest single antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy for treatment, challenging current guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Valvular thrombosis is a recognized complication following bioprosthetic heart valve replacement, typically manifesting within the first year post-implantation.
- Current prophylactic strategies involve aspirin for all bioprosthetic valve recipients, dual antiplatelet therapy for aortic valve replacements, and anticoagulation for mitral valve replacements.
Observation:
- Four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) is emerging as the preferred imaging modality for direct visualization of thrombus.
- The study presents three distinct cases illustrating the clinical application of anticoagulants and advanced imaging techniques for thrombus detection.
Findings:
- Recent clinical trials indicate that single-agent antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulation may be effective treatments for established bioprosthetic valve thrombosis.
- These findings challenge the existing prophylactic guidelines, suggesting a potential shift in therapeutic approaches.
Implications:
- The evolving understanding of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis necessitates a re-evaluation of current treatment and prophylaxis guidelines.
- Advanced imaging like 4D CT, combined with novel therapeutic strategies, offers improved management options for patients with bioprosthetic heart valves.
Abstract:
Valvular thrombosis is a known complication of bioprosthetic valve replacement that usually occurs within a year of implantation. Four-dimensional computed tomography is quickly becoming the gold standard to directly visualize thrombus. Current guidelines for prophylaxis include aspirin for all bioprosthetic valve replacements, dual antiplatelet therapy for aortic valves, and anticoagulation for mitral valves. However, new trials have suggested single-agent antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulation for treatment of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis. Three cases are presented that illustrate the use of anticoagulants and new techniques for detecting thrombosis on imaging.
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Heart Valves
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...

