Keywords

alteplase, aortic valve, embolism and thrombosis, heart failure, thrombolytic therapy

Authors

1. Isherwood, Manuel PharmD
2. Serra, Michael PharmD
3. Safirstein, Jordan MD
4. Shah, Neel MD
5. Rosenthal, Mark MD

Abstract

Abstract: A rare, yet serious, complication of mechanical heart valves is symptomatic obstructive prosthetic valve thrombosis. The risk of valve thrombosis is magnified in patients who are nonadherent to prescribed anticoagulation. In this case report, we describe a 48-year-old male patient with a history of mechanical aortic valve replacement surgery, who stopped taking prescribed warfarin therapy 2 years before presentation and subsequently developed acute decompensated heart failure secondary to valvular dysfunction. Low-dose alteplase therapy was administered successfully with no bleeding complications and a complete return of valvular function.