Mitral valve thrombosis in term pregnancy: A case report and review of the literature

Objective: With this case report would like to emphasize the complexity that involves the management of pregnant women with mechanical heart valves. In that sense, an adequate interdisciplinary management of this potentially serious pathology is required for maternal and fetal well-being. Case report: A 32-year-old primipara, with a mechanical mitral valve replacement, was admitted to our emergency department at 37(+1) weeks of gestation with acute dyspnea and presyncope. The patient was diagnosed with mechanical mitral valve thrombosis and, due to the appearance of hemodynamic instability, the patient underwent an uncomplicated emergency caesarean section and subsequent prosthetic mitral valve replacement. The patient was discharged six days after surgery, without any obstetric complication and with normal valve function. Conclusion: This case report shows that, despite strict control and optimal anticoagulation regimen, pregnant women with mechanical heart valves still have a high risk of developing valve thrombosis. (C) 2021 Taiwan Association of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This case report highlights the complexity involved in managing pregnant women with mechanical heart valves, emphasizing the need for adequate interdisciplinary management of this potentially serious pathology for the well-being of both mother and baby. Despite strict control and optimal anticoagulation regimen, pregnant women with mechanical heart valves still face a high risk of developing valve thrombosis.