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Case Reports
. 2020 Sep 2;6(4):534-538.
doi: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2020.08.009. eCollection 2020 Dec.

Embolized mechanical aortic valve leaflet causing infrarenal aortic stenosis and claudication

Bryan Eldreth  1 , Pantelis Hadjizacharia  2 , David Feuer  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Embolized mechanical aortic valve leaflet causing infrarenal aortic stenosis and claudication

Bryan Eldreth et al. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. .

Abstract

Leaflet escape from mechanical heart valves is a rare but potentially fatal complication of prosthetic valve replacement. Historically, the incompetent valve is replaced emergently and the escaped leaflet is subsequently retrieved from its settlement in a distal vessel. If it is not retrieved, the fragment can increase the risk of infection, thrombosis, and migration. We report a case of a mechanical aortic valve leaflet that embolized during valve reoperation and caused occlusive aortic disease found 2 years later. This case emphasizes the importance of locating leaflet fragments after they are noticed missing.

Keywords: Aortic valve replacement; Case report; Intravascular foreign body; Leaflet escape; Prosthetic heart valve.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan showing a triangular platelike radiodensity measuring 10.5 × 10.5 × 1.5 mm (arrows) associated with intraluminal thrombus or soft plaque. A, Coronal view. B, Sagittal view. C and D, Transverse views.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Retrieved leaflet compared with ruler in centimeters.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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