Multiple Emboli Caused by Mechanical Mitral Valve Thrombosis: A Case Report

Abstract

We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with a history of atrial fibrillation and rheumatic heart disease who underwent a prosthetic mitral valve replacement two years ago. Despite receiving anticoagulant therapy, this patient experienced embolisms, including embolic strokes and a coronary embolus, over a month. Following a cardiology evaluation, it was determined that mechanical valve thrombosis was the primary source of embolism, and embolisms ceased following a replacement. This case report illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing prosthetic valve thrombosis as a source of multiple emboli in patients receiving adequate anticoagulant therapy, a rare but potentially fatal complication of mechanical valve replacement.