Mechanical Mitral Valve Prosthesis Thrombosis: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but severe complication following heart valve replacement.
• PVT poses significant risks of morbidity and mortality.
• Effective management necessitates prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, often utilizing fibrinolytic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a successful case of treating mechanical mitral valve prosthesis thrombosis.
• To highlight the efficacy of ultraslow thrombolysis with alteplase in a complex patient case.
• To underscore the potential of refined thrombolytic protocols in managing PVT.

Main Methods:

• A 56-year-old male patient with mechanical mitral valve prosthesis thrombosis, respiratory failure, and atrial fibrillation was treated.
• Ultraslow thrombolysis with alteplase was administered.
• Patient's clinical status and valve function were monitored.

Main Results:

• The ultraslow thrombolysis with alteplase successfully resolved the mechanical mitral valve prosthesis thrombosis.
• The patient's respiratory failure and atrial fibrillation improved.
• The mechanical valve prosthesis regained normal function, and the patient was discharged.

Conclusions:

• Managing prosthetic valve thrombosis presents challenges due to diagnostic ambiguity and lack of treatment consensus.
• Slow-infusion, low-dose thrombolytic therapy, specifically with alteplase, can be a life-saving intervention for PVT.
• This case demonstrates the high success rate and improved outcomes achievable with tailored thrombolytic strategies.