Thrombolysis of an acute prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis presented with cardiogenic shock under the guidance of continuous transoesophageal monitoring

Abstract

Thrombotic occlusion of prosthetic valves continues to be an uncommon but serious complication. Intravenous thrombolytic treatment has been proposed as an alternative to surgical intervention. Due to the lack of a generally accepted standard regimen, various infusion protocols and thrombolytic doses were used for the management of prosthetic heart valve thrombosis. However, rapid thrombolytic infusion, especially in the presence of large thrombus, may increase the risk of embolization. Continuous transoesophageal echocardiography may provide monitoring the efficacy of thrombolysis especially in critically ill patients.