[Thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic mitral valve during dabigatran treatment]

Abstract

Dabigatran has been approved for prevention of thromboembolic complications in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We present a case of thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic mitral valve during anticoagulation with dabigatran, switched from warfarin. The patient presented with cardiogenic shock, was treated with thrombolytic therapy and discharged with warfarin therapy. Dabigatran in patients with mechanical valve prosthesis should be avoided and echocardiography is indicated if dyspnoea develops in such patients.