Thrombolysis for prosthetic valve malfunction: case report and review

Abstract

A 40 year old female with severe mitral valve stenosis, underwent mitral valve replacement by single disc valve 4 years ago. She presented at this admission with a new onset of congestive heart failure. The prothrombin time was inadequate with international normalized ratio (INR) 1.43. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed high pressure gradient across the mitral valve. Fluoroscopy demonstrated restrictive opening of single disc motion. Intravenous thrombolysis was given for presumptive diagnosis of prosthetic valve thrombosis. The patient gradually improved and did not have to undergo surgical correction.