Dysfunctioning mechanical mitral valve prosthesis: When thrombus over pannus makes hinders diagnosis

Abstract

Prosthetic valve obstruction is a rare but potentially lethal complication. The most frequent causes are thrombus and pannus formation, in the absence of infectious data. Diagnosis is not always easy using cardiac CT scanning and in 46%–85% of cases thrombus and pannus coexist, complicating the diagnosis. A rapid diagnosis is essential to avoid a fatal outcome of this pathology whose mortality, despite correct treatment, is high.