Pulmonary thromboembolism in a patient with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis: a fortuitous association?

Ann Thorac Surg. 2011 Dec;92(6):2263-6. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.05.108.

Abstract

In this case report, we illustrate our experience with a patient simultaneously suffering from rheumatic mitral valve stenosis and pulmonary thromboembolism who successfully underwent mitral valve replacement and pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Physical examination and transthoracic echocardiography revealed mitral stenosis, atrial fibrillation, and a large thrombus in the left atrium. The preoperative workup led to the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism. This case emphasizes the importance of preoperative evaluation for pulmonary thromboembolism in symptomatic patients with mitral valve stenosis and atrial fibrillation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Endarterectomy
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve / surgery
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / complications*
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / surgery
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / surgery
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease / complications*
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease / surgery