An uncommon case of bioprosthetic mitral valve thrombosis with subsequent prosthesis dehiscence

Abstract

Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis (BVT) is uncommon. An 82-year-old gentleman presented following a cardioembolic stroke due to a mitral valve infective endocarditis. The patient underwent bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement. Following discharge, he re-presented with weakness due to a new left-sided stroke and right-sided occipital intracerebral haemorrhage. Both transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography revealed BVT on the anterior portion of the prosthesis. Following a multidisciplinary team discussion, it was felt that thrombolytics and anticoagulation would be detrimental. The patient continued to worsen and eventually succumbed to congestive cardiac failure. BVT is uncommon, and patients often present with signs and symptoms of heart failure, shock or embolism. There are no guidelines available on managing BVT in patients with concurrent intracerebral haemorrhage, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary efforts and patient inclusivity in decision making.