Open AccessMechanical valve obstruction: Review of diagnostic and treatment strategies
Author(s) -
Jason N. Salamon,
Jerson Munoz-Mendoza,
Jared Liebelt,
Cynthia C. Taub
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1949-8462
DOI - 10.4330/wjc.v7.i12.875
Subject(s) - medicine , pannus , thrombus , thrombolysis , thrombosis , complication , mechanical valve , surgery , cardiology , radiology , rheumatoid arthritis , myocardial infarction
Prosthetic valve obstruction (PVO) is a rare but feared complication of mechanical valve replacement. Diagnostic evaluation should focus on differentiating prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) from pannus formation, as their treatment options differ. History of sub-optimal anti-coagulation and post-op time course to development of PVO are useful clinical characteristics in differentiating thrombus from pannus formation. Treatment of PVT is influenced by the patient's symptoms, valve location, degree of obstruction and thrombus size and may include thrombolysis or surgical intervention. Alternatively, pannus formation requires surgical intervention. The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic approach and treatment options for aortic and mitral valve PVO.